Did city staff fail to forecast the decrease in city building permits. They may have planned on 1000+ permits a year into infinity. We now know that growth is not going to happen to pay for the necessary build out in water and sewer infrastructure. Without new money flowing in at $12,000+ per connection for water and sewer connections, the costs for expanding the system falls to current users of the system. The city said 18 months ago rates are to rise by over 400% in the next six years. But this projection is low now that city income has fallen faster…fees and cost could rise much faster in years to come.
As they build out extra capacity in the water and sewer system to offer service to new residential and commercial developments (they one day hope to attract) it is necessary to have the capacity already in place to supply users as they hook up. Present users must pay this cost now or very soon, they are the only source of money for this "Enterprise Fund". The council will approve development and expect the self-funded enterprise fund for utilities to build out. No problem until huge development is necessary. The only solution is to fund big expansion needs for capacity from proffers or development funds, but that is not how it is done here and the cost is shifted to the present users. So as we see the city approve development like Center-Point, McDonnell Development, and other huge plans along Rt58 and near Rt17, the result is soaring utility costs for projects that must be funded and constructed ahead of time. So the result is the present users are going to pay for future users. The same can be said about buying more water from Norfolk for those future users…Council is being maneuvered now to borrow tens of millions to build out the utility system necessary to buy Norfolk water later…water for future users. So expect utility rates to rise dramatically. Inside Suffolk Team
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I have my chechbook ready, how much do they want this time? I have never failed to write the checks and pay the amounts demanded, as my right to claim citizenship in Suffolk and keep them from auctioning off my home and business.
This "historical means" to screw me and mine is so ingrained in the way Suffolk works that I now comply by reflex. I was not born here, but after over twenty-five plus years I am always ready to pay more and more. So, how much do I owe and when can I pay the treasurer for whatever it might be?
Another historical and quaint right of passage in our little town. I only hope that we can survive these costs and mis-steps as the cost of being a captive of the Suffolk Regime we call our local government.
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