It was clear at last week’s meeting of the Cambrians for Fiscal Responsibility that one hour a week just wouldn’t cut it for getting everyone’s ideas expressed and then coming to a consensus. The goal for this week will be to clarify the focus and direction of the group going forward after the successful protest of the rates and come up with a process for selecting members of the committee the CCSD wants to form to examine the issue. To that end, the “homework” was that each of us describe up to three reasons why we opposed the rate hikes. The goal is to ensure everyone’s input is included as we focus and move forward. Post your reasons for opposition here by clicking the “Responses so far” and adding your rationale for rejecting the hike as proposed. If you would like to write a post, include that in your comment and Amanda will be in touch with you to get you started.
Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
- Gail Robinette Chosen to Complete DeMicco's Term as CCSD Director on Unanimous Vote
- California Coastal Commission Unanimously Denied Army Corps Desal Tests
- Cambria CSD Agenda for November 27, 2011 Meeting Includes Water Conservation & New Tank Project
- Sunken Oil Tanker Off Cambria's Coastline Will Be Checked Again Soon
I protested the rate hike because it included funding for the BRP and a seemingly elusive desalination plant. If the new rate schedule had been approved, it would have meant I agreed with the policies included in the buildout reduction and supported the plan to build a desalination plant. Reading the analysis provided by Black and Vetch only reduced my confidence in the CCSD to make good policy and oversee the important services the CSD provides the community.
I tried to find somewhere in the analysis where it explained the cost to deliver water and remove sewer, instead I found breakdowns of costs for the BRP and a de-sal plant that can’t even get off the drawing board. How do we even know the basic assumptions aren’t out of line?
Show me how much it costs to deliver the services the rates are supposed to pay for – including infrastructure repair and maintenance, reasonable overhead for salaries, training and benefits for staff, and other costs directly related to serving me water and sewer.
I opposed the rate hike because I observe costly improvements being made in our town and I don’t recall these improvements being on a ballot. If they have, then read no further.
I own a business here but I am not a resident so I’m not allowed to vote on Cambria issues. But if the people have not voted on these improvements, then why does the CCSD have a right to spend this money? As a business person, I have not seen any benefit whatsoever from the improvements and, in fact, the construction during the main street improvement almost cost me my business and therefore my livelihood.
My main reason for opposing the water hikes is because I feel that the CCSD has been irresponsible in their spending. And if this is so, why does the community have to pay for their fiscal irresponsibility.
The improvements on Main Street were made by the County of SLO and the decision was made by County Supervisors including Shirley Bianchi in conjunction with long term traffic planning and policy. CCSD had nothing to do with it.
You can get info on these things by reading The Cambrian.