On January 23, 2013, in the Volume 108, Issue 14 of the Humboldt Journal it was reported by our mayor that 2012 was definitely a strong year for the city and the city anticipates that strength is going to continue.
On January 30, 2013, in the Vol. 8, Issue 15 of the Humboldt Journal, a headline reads: "Council seriously considering a steep water rate increase."
Council approved the recommended average of 8.9 per cent rate increase for the next five years in principle, as well as a $2.50 per year storm water levy increase for the first year, followed by a one dollar a month raise each year until 2017. This does not include the current $10 monthly levy which all of us pay for the Super Storm pipe levy.
At the open house meeting on February 26, 2013, the City of Humboldt presented a five-year plan to address major infrastructure related projects, namely upgrades and modifications to the water treatment plant and lift stations for an approximate cost of $6 million over five years, and water and sewer mains renewal and upgrades for approximately $3.6 million over five years.
How much money can the taxpayers in Humboldt afford? The city cannot balance the budget, but continues to unveil another extravagant project. If the city has difficulty in managing the affordability of the water utility, how can city officials turn to open another unveiling, namely the Community Trails Project? Which is more important to the people of Humboldt - safe, affordable drinking water or bike and walking trails?
What has happened to the prediction that Humboldt had a strong year in 2012, which was to continue into 2013? What happened between January 2013 to April 2013, to that strength? We have a shortfall in money to run the city.
Poor management hurts every citizen in Humboldt! Even taxpayers have limited availability of funds due to cost inflation for food, shelter and security! The water utility project cannot be compromised by unveiling yet another frivolous project - Community Trails.
