So I am ignorant now? What is ignorant about wanting to preserve our communities resources or at least get something of value in exchange? Our sewer system is worth $9.8 M and the majority Council (Anderson, Rikel and Schwing) want to give it to the Water District for nothing. First, they devalue its worth by putting it in a negative revenue position, ignoring a voter approved 218 vote to raise the rates. Then they want to give it away. If the decision is made to give the system to the Water District, they would and should raise the rates.
It costs more than ~$20 a year to maintain the sewers. The difference is all of the Water District overhead will be calculated into their rates: new building, equipment, pensions, etc. Mr Schwing mentioned the water district is not collecting enough revenue from the west end rates to cover their costs. So what makes anyone think they would not raise the east end sewer rates?
Our City is a contract city, hiring outside contractors to do landscape and various maintenance projects, to name a couple. Our ability to provide services is generally more economical. The water district has not submitted a bid on the RFP (request for proposal) within our community for east end sewer maintenance for a while because they could not match the low bidder.
For our Mayor to say our consultants calculation on the costs to maintain the east end sewer rates is simply an accounting change is ludicrous! Because our past practice has not accurately determined the sewer maintenance costs, does not mean we should continue that practice. Currently the General Fund makes up the difference. BTW- we threw ~$30,000 away on that consultants work. Why bother to hire an expert and go out for a 218 vote if you are not willing to consider the results? And I am ignorant?

The Yorba Linda Water District is accepting applications for a newly created citizens advisory committee. They anticipate meeting weekly from April 2009 through July 2009. Their committee goal is to present recommendations to the Board of Directors on issues including water conservation incentives, water waste and rate increases.  Applications are online and at the District office and are due March 16.  For more information go to www.YLWD.com