The water department has recently come under public criticism for high water bills and failing to implement a second metering system for water that does not involve the sewer system. It is also running a $3 million deficit that is being looked at by an independent auditor. What are you doing to address this situation?
Clearly a look at a water bill shows that what goes out represents a major portion of our periodic water bills. A second water meter for watering and outside use can alleviate some of the cost for some ratepayers. In addition to replacing our aging water and sewer infrastructure, I support a tiered rate structure. Taking all of this into account, the true rate relief our citizens seek will not be realized until the bonds associated with the construction of the Deer Island sewage treatment plant are paid down.
The council has been a strong voice in the calling for an independent audit of the Water enterprise account and the implementation of a second meter and tiered rate structure for commercial vs. residential. We have had numerous meetings with department heads and continue to publicly discuss these issues. The city has hired a new engineer who is paying close attention to these issues. We will continue to urge the Water and Sewer Commission, who is responsible for the rates, to entertain all of the suggestions we have offered.
I believe that we should implement a second meter system. I also believe that we should implement a tiered rate system so that large corporate users pay a higher rate than residents and small businesses. There is an audit underway of the financial condition of the water/sewer enterprise fund that will pinpoint the specific measures to be taken to remedy any deficit.
As a challenger candidate I must say any investigation into a municipality is of great concern to myself, and the taxpayers of Medford. Any problems that arise concerning public funds and there management must be taken seriously. Other area cities have had investigations and audits that led to serious allegations and concerns regarding city departments.
Medford’s water woes are a result of mismanagement, poor oversight, and a failure to heed the voice of the city council which is informed by and reflective of the voice of the citizens on this issue. Because of all of the pain and anxiety created around this issue, the rate increase recently issued by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority had a particular sting. I supported the call for an audit of the water and sewer enterprise account and have encouraged new leadership in the meter implementation project. I support the idea to examine a graduated rate of billing. I have suggested the need for a clear written policy on water bill abatements.
The water department has come under public criticism for very good reason. The water rates have gone up over 50% in the last year, which is a big part due to mismanagement. We also agreed to the installation of new water meters and were mislead and lied to by the city engineer, who has since quit. The council was also never apprised of the deficit by the city auditor until the very last possible second, ever though we specifically asked during a prior meeting.
One thing the council did do was request an independent audit, which is in the works. We have also requested that the rate be lowered so that the citizens especially those on fixed incomes can afford to own a home, pay the bills, and stay in this city.
I called for the independent audit and have urged a consumption billing system (use more, pay more - use less, pay less) which would ease the burden on homeowners including those on fixed incomes. This is my number one issue and I am pursuing it forcefully.
In a recent issue of the Medford Transcript, I wrote a column detailing my past achievements and my plans for improving the physical infrastructure and creating a multi-tier system for charging residents for water and sewer. In that article I advised that we repair leaking pipes, get rid of illegal catch basins, and institute a rate that would charge based on water used, i.e., residential rates and commercial rates.
I was the first councillor some years ago to request the second water meter opportunity. I also offered legislation for the water and sewer bill to be an allowable tax deduction. Thus far neither issues have yet to be implemented but I am still trying. As for the deficit, until the audit has been finalized, I shall reserve my comments other than to say no deficit was to have existed as a result of the new water meter installations as was presented to the council before the council voted to accept the new water meter program.
