Issue 15
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City Connections
Jeannie Hargis
Finance Director
What happens when you pay your water bill?
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When you pay your water and sewer bill, the funds go to supply fresh drinking water and receiving wastewater from your property today and ensuring the development of the water and sewer system that will take care of your children and your grandchildren in the future. The City of Kerrville currently has 9,050 water and sewer customers with a total daily average consumption for 3,714,000 gallons of water. We expect those numbers to increase. Consequently, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes at your public works department to not only maintain the current system, but plan for the future as well.
When you first pay your utility bill, you are supporting a $9.2 million budget. Of that amount, $7.6 million goes for operations and $1.55 million goes to pay revenue bonds outstanding. Your water and sewer fees are the main source of that funding. There is no property tax revenue used in this fund. The water and sewer fees go to pay for such things as water for fire protection, electricity, repair and maintenance, transmission of water, water and wastewater quality standards and requirements, chemicals, laboratory costs, etc…The rate increase that was passed in February 2006 went to pay for the development of a water and sewer rate model, to pay salary increases, to pay for replacement vehicles and aging equipment, and for pay-as-you-go capital improvement projects.
In addition to addressing the current budget, when you make a payment today, you are also planning for the immediate future and long-term. Funded in FY07 is a utility engineering study to evaluate the existing and future development capabilities of the water and wastewater system and to prioritize a maintenance program for the repairs needed in the current system. Some of the capital improvement projects planned for 2006-2007 are an Elevated Storage Facility, Well Location Study, plus upgrades to existing facilities such as lift stations, water plants and the wastewater plant.
There is also a Five Year Capital Improvement Program plan through FY11. A few of the projects anticipated include an additional Aquifer Storage and Recovery Well, new sources of water, replacement of water and sewer mains, water meters, looping water lines, replacement of belt press system at the wastewater treatment plant, upgrading and replacing lift stations, and repairing/replacing sewer lines throughout the City.
Don’t forget that your payment can also help your neighbor in need. We have added an item on your water and sewer bill called Neighbor Assistance Program. This is a program designed to assist those families that are experiencing financial difficulty. Participation is voluntary and is being administered by the Christian Alliance Ministry (CAM). You are welcome to give as little as $1.00 a month or more. We can also draft your account so that you can contribute on a regular monthly basis to the Neighbor Assistance Program.
Two of the Council’s goals are to “plan, maintain and upgrade infrastructure” and
“deliver quality municipal services in a cost effective manner” to the citizens of Kerrville. When you pay your utilities, you enable us to meet these goals. The Finance Staff and I are available to answer your questions or be of assistance at anytime. Please feel free to call us at 792-8330. |
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