Admin Order 58-18-05-F - Laserfiche WebLink

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Department to contribute non -General Funds, including Stormwater and Wastewater, to accommodate the cost of the construction of a 4th floor shelled space as essentially a down payment nnfuture space inCity Hall. |tisexpected that Public Works staff will occupy either the 4th floor orsimilar space inasubsequent phase ofthe City Hall redevelopment project. 4. Comments regarding inflation and rate increases: * Objection tuthe increase infees for wastewater and stonnwmtec � What costs warrant the 4%increase? � What will the money beused for? m What percentage of these funds are allocated to wastewater and stormwater needs, and what percentage isused for other purposes? � Has there been any reduction in the amount of money from the general fund for these line items? Response: Stormwater user fees fund stormwater operations and capital investment for system rehabilitation, replacement and restoration. In an effort to maintain reasonable nates, the City continually seeks efficiencies and service adjustments. The proposed 4%increase isneeded tu continue to provide the current level of service and to maintain a growing inventory of stormwater green infrastructure facilities. The current level of service and greater number of green infrastructure facilities enable the City to protect public health and safety by preventing flooding, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and protect and improve water quality in our rivers and streams. The rationale for the rate increase also includes avoiding large rate increases in future years, the funding of capital reserves for replacement of assets without the need to issue debt, and provides services over the long term in a financially sustainable manner. Wastewater user fees fund the construction, operation, maintenance, and debt service of the wastewater collection and treatment system. The proposed 4% increase in needed to maintain existing local wastewater services necessary under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission's (MWMC) regional wastewater treatment facility that serves both Eugene and Springfield is requesting a 2.5% rate increase. K4VVMC's rate is independent of Eugene's rate. Both the stormwater and wastewater fees are collected and spent out of their respective funds, therefore 100% is being spent ontheir respective program areas. None ofthese expenses are part ofthe General Fund budget. 5. Comment regarding low-inco e assistance. w With the passage ofthe parks bond and maintenance levy, this isanincreased burden. How can low income people afford all these extra fees? Response: There are customer assistance programs that are designed to help income -eligible customers with their utility bills, including stonnwmterand wastewater fees. For more information on how tuaccess these programs, contact Eugene Water and Electric Board (EVVE8) who iothe billing agent for the City ofEugene. 6. Comment regarding electric vs stormwater costs. w Aschool pays more instomnvvatercosts than itdoes inelectricity toheat the building for a year, Exhibit /\ToAdministrative Order S0 -{8 -O5 -p