What has the City done to be more efficient? Could cost savings come from reducing staff and expenses?

Efficiencies are pursued on a continuing basis. Staffing has not increased in ten years despite increased workload and numerous state mandates. In fact, the City has maintained staffing levels at just 85% of levels suggested for utilities our size by the leading water association (AWWA). A work-order system is utilized to coordinate workload and provide accountability. The bulk of expense with a utility distribution system is infrastructure – water / sewer lines, lift stations, water wells, pumps, equipment. Equipment is maintained rigorously and utilized as long as possible. Water and sewer lines are replaced on an ongoing basis as needed.

Show All Answers

1. Why has maintenance costs increased?
2. Have maintenance costs increased only in the past year, or over the past ten years when rates were unchanged?
3. What conditions existed that made it possible to keep rates unchanged for ten years?
4. Are financial records available for public review showing projected maintenance costs, loss of revenue from decreased demand, and projected increase in revenue to be used to offset maintenance costs?
5. Citizens and leaders generally try to avoid large increases in taxes, costs and fees. What changes did the City not anticipate in order to avoid this large and unexpected increase?
6. What corrections will the City Council implement to ensure that future unexpected and large increases will not occur?
7. Has any long term planning been done on projected water costs and usage for the next five years?
8. What has the City done to be more efficient? Could cost savings come from reducing staff and expenses?