Update On Water Plan Report

6/27/12

The 6/25 council work session is now on the LMCC website. Check out the water plan report discussion at:
http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=586 (at the end of the agenda list).

Bottom line: the council gave vague direction to staff to develop alternatives for financing the $26.5 million cost to install water pipes through the rest of Shorewood (of course, the Islands aren't included).

Interesting to note is that the cost over 20 years does not include any increase in construction costs (2012 costs were used). So, the actual cost will be significantly higher over 20 years. Also, no costs for financing the build-out were included by the engineering consultant. Ultimately, the total costs to residents will certainly exceed $30 million.

The consultant speaks about financing method options. He suggests using connection fees, assessments, and a water district fee. He also speaks about possible franchise fees levied on the power, gas, etc. utilities. What's fascinating to the Insider is that nobody on council pointed out that all these fees and charges ultimately get paid by Shorewood taxpayers. The utility companies simply pass the franchise fees back to residents on utility bills. The rest of the methods just have taxpayers paying into different buckets. Of course, some payments are over time, but how does the City raise the cash to front the costs of these time payments? Of course, sell bonds that have to be repaid out of the general fund tax dollars every year via your tax bill.

Seems to the Insider that Lizee, Zerby and friends think Shorewood residents need a Boeing 787 (why?), and just can't come to grips with that this luxury item has a price tag that is unaffordable. Logical thinking like this has never stopped this crew from spending money. Just look back to the public safety building edifice. Shorewood spends about $1 million per year for police and about 50% is to pay for the building (do you feel $500,000 per year safer because the police have a deluxe building?).

More to come.

Happy Reading!
The Insider