Letter to the Editor: Retired Ronald Wastewater Manager Questions 2013 Ronald Budget

To the editor:

This proposed budget for the Ronald Wastewater District does not favor the ratepayers. The Board should be looking at ways to reduce the $11.15 per month per customer equivalent. The duties of the Commissioners and staff have not increased but the expenses have. There are no annexations of new areas; it is an established district which needs maintenance over site without frivolous spending.

Do you know that their 2013 budget includes $111,500 for monthly mailers? 

Do you know they already have a web site that could provide all of this information? 

Do you know they have the ability to write messages on the bills that they send out? 

Do you know they are having free community lunches the 3rd Friday of every month? 

Do you know they are spending $4,000 for a conference room upgrade and $2,000 for an administrative chair? 

Do you know that they have an approximate $6 million dollar repair and replacement fund? 

Do you know that they have net revenue from operating of $1,862,712? 

Do you know that after covering their CIP for 2013, they have net revenue of $698,168? 

Do you know that the District operated for 60 years with three Commissioners and only added two more when one of the Commissioners lost the election and he was appointed back? 

Do you know the salaries and benefits that these commissioners and their families earn? 

Do you know the salaries of their management team? 

Do you know that their travel expenses have increased as follows: 2011 $12,905; 2012 21,800; 2013 $36,000? 

Do you know with good management they could reduce the District charge which would help subsidize the added treatment costs which are 
increasing another $3.69 a month per customer equivalent to $39.79?

Learn how your sewer rates are being spent and be sure you have the facts. Learn the terms of the interlocal agreement referred to in this notice and the fact that it was signed by two of the current commissioners.

Respectfully submitted, 
Sis (Sydell) Polin 
Retired General Manager of Ronald Wastewater District