During the Sept. 27 Holbrook City Council meeting Randy Murph addressed the council in regards to increasing the water rates. The Perkins Valley resident found it unfair since the city offered services to those out of the city limits to nearly double their rates. He pointed out it would cause people to change their lifestyle and the landscape of their property. He also mentioned that a contract was made with the city that stated their rates would not increase.
Jerrie Paschal also spoke about the increased water rates, stating she had been a real estate broker for over 35 years and that trees and grass are an important part of the area. “I think it would create hardship for these people,” she stated in regards to those who live outside of city limits.
The rates proposed by staff would bring the current residential water and sewer rates within city limits from $1.75 per 1,000 gallons to $2.25. The base water fee rate would go from $6.50 to $10, the base fee for sewer from $12 to $15 and sanitation will remain at $17.
The residential water rates outside city limits would increase from $1.75 to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons. The base water fee would go from $13 to $19.
Sullivan said that the council should decide if they want to go forward with an instant increase or phase-in the increase over a period of time. “We’re trying to be fiscal responsible, give us directions on how you want us to pursue.” He also mentioned that he does not know of the contract with Perkins Valley previously mentioned by Randy Murph.
Councilwoman Francie Payne stated that she did not believe it was fair to increase the rates that much. “I don’t think we can have higher outside rates,” she said in reference to the outside city limits rates and the possible double increase.
Councilman Tim Dixon stated that Sun Valley needed to be given cleaner water before rates increased, to which Sullivan responded that if rates are not raised he does not know where the funds would come from. “Our obligation is to Holbrook residents,” stated Councilman Richard Peterson, “The water was like that when they moved there.” Peterson noted that they should not expect the city to fix it and should not be on the backs of Holbrook citizens.
“We purchased them,” stated Councilman Wade Carlisle. He went on further to say if Sun Valley wants a reverse osmosis system, that they (the city) can give it to them. “It’s just an extra expense.” He also mentioned that Perkins Valley should be kept the same and it is separate from Sun Valley.
Sullivan agreed, saying that the city should consider Perkins Valley and Porter Canyon inside city limits and Sun Valley outside. “The cost difference is the complete new system out in Sun Valley.” Since Perkins Valley and the surrounding areas use the city’s water system, they will be considered as within city limits. Sullivan said that if the council gave him direction to, it would go into an ordinance and make sure the verbiage is correct.
Sullivan also mentioned that along with the $1 adjudication fee that will go to pay for attorney’s fees, he thinks it would be a good idea to add a $5 monthly fee. The fee will go to a savings account and used when needed to help prevent the city from going into debt or having to take money from another fund.
Changes to the commercial rates would be from $1.75 per 1,000 gallons to $2.25, with a base water rate of $12 inside city limits going to $24 and outside city limits from $24 to $48. The base fee for sewer would go from $25 to $35 for both, with sanitation varying. While looking at the commercial outside water rates, Councilman Carlisle recalled an agreement before he got on the council with Hopi Travel Plaza in Sun Valley that says they pay in-town rates. This means there is no commercial out of town rates, Sullivan responded saying they will look into that.
“We last raised the rates 12 years ago,” said Councilman Peters. “The bottom line is there is no way to get away from the cost.” He also pointed out that if the council decided to do a phase-in that they would have to do this again every year. “We’ve put it off for 12 years, it’s time to bite the bullet.” The council decided to put the proposed increases on the next agenda. “We’ll keep chewing on this,” said Carlisle. Sullivan added that there was no rush as long as they continue with the discussions about it.
In current events, Sullivan told the council that the city would receive a Community Development Block Grant for 2017 in the amount of $40,000. He also noted that work is being done on another dog park, which will be located in the vacant area on the side of Navajo Blvd. at the north end of town. He also mentioned that the Holbrook Recreation Center is opened and encourages citizens to go visit noting, “it’s a pretty cool little place over there.” This past weekend was the last weekend for the Splash Pad, although the rest of the park will remain open.
At the end of the meeting Bill Mosier submitted a written petition to the council in regards to the Chamber of Commerce. “We are the only city with an unfunded Chamber of Commerce,” Mosier stated. “It’s time that the city council and Chamber of Commerce come back together.” He also mentioned the decline of Wild West Days due to funding, which the Chamber of Commerce is in charge of.
The council approved the proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, which was presented by North Country HealthCare Family Advocate Melissa Daniels.
The board also authorized acceptance of a grant in the amount of $5,500 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety that would provide overtime pay for Holbrook police officers on DUI detail.
