HomeMy WebLinkAboutBusiness Members of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce October 28, 2011
City of Laurel OCT 3 1 2011
PO Box 10
Laurel, MT 59044 CITY OF LAUREL
RE: New water and sewer rates
Attn: Mayor Olson and Council Members,
The Laurel Chamber of Commerce represents 140 businesses that play a large role in
sustaining the vitality of this community. The Chamber's function is not only to support
existing members but to promote future business growth in the community. We strongly
oppose the significant increase in the water and sewer rates that are currently being
considered by the City of Laurel. It concerns us that this increase will create a hardship
to existing businesses and be another obstacle that will discourage new businesses to
come to our community.
We request that you table this vote until you respond to the following items:
• Attend a Chamber of Commerce hosted event and present the City of
Laurel's long term plan to develop the infrastructure of the community.
• Present the City's timeline of improvements planned including a
justification of the increase that is being considered.
• Present a transparent analysis of the City's current financial position and
projection of future financial statements.
• Provide an impact analysis including the City of Laurel's top 20 water
and sewer users.
• If increases are eminent to improve the water and sewer system, is there
consideration of a phase -in period?
• Was there a study completed to determine if the City could fund these
improvements using a bond?
We are not suggesting that the income this rate increase will generate in not needed;
however, we request you provide a well thought out plan that may include a phased -in
rate increase over a period of time rather than an all at once increase.
Sincerely,
Business Members of the
Laurel Chamber of Commerce