Opinion Editorial

It appears our relative to the north is making quite a name for himself in politics. I'm seeing myself at the next inauguration.

City utility rollbacks a necessity

By Bill Kangas for the Daily Courier

I generally agree with the majority of Editor Dennis Roler's editorials, but have to disagree with his opinion on the rollback of the 4.45 percent cost-of-living adjustment increase on Grants Pass water and sewer bills, as well as the rollback of system development charges for 2009. I believe the rollbacks were absolutely necessary. There are three main reasons.

First, the 4.45 percent COLA fees were calculated from November 2007 to October 2008.

The economy was tilting then, but not yet in a free fall as has happened since.

The problem for the consumer is not just the city bills, but all the other monthly service bills that continually show some kind of increase.

Add all these up, and there is significant extra money charged each month to the average working person such as myself.

The companies we work for are holding the line on raises, cutting back hours and/or laying off employees to survive. We are in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis, so any savings helps out the working people in our community so they can remain safe with shelter, food and general necessities through this tough winter. When the recessionary times ease, we can look at bringing back COLA fees on a year-to-year basis.

Second, cutting the COLA fees on SDCs allows new businesses that want to come in the chance to do it at a lower cost. Anything we can do to encourage new businesses and business expansions in our city will benefit the people looking for work, as well as benefiting the city itself.

Again, the working people need jobs to support their families and keep them safe. We need to help the people who are out of work or working reduced hours, and not hinder them with more costs.

Third, by eliminating the 4.45 percent COLA fees, we are sending a positive message to the people that the City Council wants to reduce any fees it can. Currently, there is high unemployment coupled with an all-time record foreclosure rate. Grants Pass citizens will likely be voting on a public safety levy in May. I believe it must be passed for the security of all residents of our great city.

It is my opinion that asking the voters to support a public safety levy in the current economic climate, and after increasing their water and sewer bills, would make it challenging to pass the levy.

Finally, an increase in fees is not as significant to the city as it is to the citizens. The latest financial report of the city, presented to the council at its last meeting, showed a substantial fund balance, which can easily sustain long-term maintenance as well as providing for capital projects.


Bill Kangas has served on City Council since 2007 and is its president this year.