By Gary Meyer

The Frazier Park Public Utility District (FPPUD) held a workshop on Saturday, Aug. 11 to answer questions about the district’s proposed rate increases.

Seven people attended. They received a detailed recap of the water system’s status, as well as an explanation of the rate increase and the voting procedure.

FPPUD has taken numerous steps to ensure that its customers receive complete information about the reasons for the rate increase and the need to prepare for certain water line replacements in advance of the Frazier Park Beautification Project which will include excavation, resurfacing of streets, installation of street lighting and construction of sidewalks along portions of two main roadways in the Frazier Park business zone.

None of the seven attendees expressed disapproval of the rate increase. When asked what kind of feedback the district has been receiving about its proposed rates, board members and management said there had been one or two negative comments, but otherwise comments have been positive and supportive.

If the voters approve the rate increases, FPPUD may be able to qualify for a USDA loan of up to $2 Million. Up to half of that amount may be available as a grant. If the voters reject the increases, the district would not qualify for the USDA loan or the grant.

During the workshop, manager Greg Keenberg explained several of the reasons why the money is needed: The district’s telemetry system (that measures and controls water levels in the storage tanks) is failing and has caused overflow, damaging trails in some areas; replacement of main water lines under certain areas where Beautification project excavations will occur must be timed with that project to save significant amounts of money; Phase Two of the district’s water line replacement should be started to prevent further system failures. Phase One was completed last year.

The rate increase will be decided on Saturday, September 8, at 1:00 p.m. when voting ballots will be counted at the water company’s offices, at 4020 Park Drive, following a public hearing on the matter.

The Base Rate will be increased by $10 per month if a majority of water customers vote in favor.

The Consumptive Rate will be increased from 52 cents per 100 cubic feet of water to 75 cents per 100 cubic feet, unless a "Majority Protest" is filed by customers using the protest form that was mailed to all water customers last month.

If passed, FPPUD customers would see the new rates reflected in their October water bills.

This is part of the August 17, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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