Jack It Up

"We therefore plan to raise our rates about 20%.  I know this is troublesome but necessary.  Kansas City had unusually low water and sewer rates for many years, something their City Council insisted on.  Now they are forced with an estimated $2.6 billion expenditure to get into compliance with their consent decree with the EPA.  So increasing rates from Kansas City are here to stay for years to come"
Mayor Jerry Bos
http://eweatherbylakeliving.com/city-news-08-11/city-news-10-11

What can I say?  If you have followed postings here, I have mentioned the puzzling lack of action on the part of the Mayor and Aldermen.  I have brought this to their attention during public comments at BOA meetings on a number of occasions.  They have been well aware of the rate increases the past two years KC has passed along to WL but failed to increase rates to city subscribers.  Result?  Dwindling reserves.  Now Bos says, "we don't have a lot of choices".  Brilliant.  Classic mismanagement and you don't have to be a CPA to figure this one out.  There will be a pro forma rate increase hearing later this month, which should last about 5 minutes.  All fingers from the Mayor and Aldermen will point to KC, giving perfect cover for their malaise.