The first was a year ago, when the discussion revolved around a $9.40 increase. At that meeting I addressed the question to board member Joe Kelly: “Can we rest assured that the constant escalation in Birmingham rates will not be the case now that the GUS Board has re-purchased the sewer system?” His answer, “This was the main reason for the re-purchase.”
Yet, one year later at a second meeting, I am told that as of January 2010, we will have another increase tacked onto the previous increase of November 2008. The cost of 7 (per 100) cubit feet on Oct. 27, 2008 (before the Moody GUS Board takeover) was $38.97. With the forthcoming January 2010 increase, 7 cubit feet will now cost $70.74.
Whatever usage chosen, the result is an 81 percent increase since November 2008.
We were told the board had no choice (due to a recent audit) “if wants to pay back the bond indebtedness.”
Where were the minds of these people when this purchase was consummated? Was no forethought given to how these bonds would be paid? What went so wrong in one year to necessitate this crushing increase?
Furthermore, what was the real motive for the “deal,” other than what we have been told? It seems that neither intelligence nor responsibility was in abundance in this decision.
Several questions need to be addressed:
1. Why is every member of the board on septic rather than sewer?
2. Contrary to the statement of one board member that this last meeting was “satisfactorily advertised” to the citizens, tell us how it was advertised and why the meeting took place at 11 a.m., rather than at night when people are off work and can attend.
3. Why has an original GUS Board member recently resigned?
4. How much control is this board exerting regarding operational expense?
5. How much effort is being spent to find other ways to avoid further increase?
I never thought I would yearn again to live in Birmingham.
— Harvey C. Love, Moody
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