No vote on bond would prove costly for city
In these tight economic times, it is very tempting to just vote no on a $12 million water treatment plant. After all, the extra $6 a month could be put to numerous better uses.
On Tuesday, we urge all Sandpoint voters to tax themselves $6 a month in order to avoid a disaster and actually save money in the long run.
By this summer, the City Council will be forced to implement conservation-based rates to try to slow down usage during this peak time of the year. This most likely will be a combination of higher rates, rationing and a whole bunch of reminders to conserve.
Water conservation is key and if Sandpoint’s growth would flatline, conservation might help us avert this problem. This area is going to grow and water demand is going to jump right along with it.
Conservation is important but so is having a handle on our future.
Here are the choices:
• Pass a bond to build a new water treatment plant for $17 million on Tuesday and receive a $5 million federal stimulus grant. Enjoy a historically low interest rate.
• Don’t pass the bond. Water use will continue at least at what it is now and will probably increase. Water prices will increase and conservation-based rates (i.e.: higher rates) will kick in. The out-of-date water treatment system will eventually fail and will have to be replaced in the future.
While $6 a month will make a difference in your budget now, at least we know what it will cost us.
It is expensive to live in Sandpoint. If we raise our water rates even more, this town runs the risk of being an exclusive community where average folks with average incomes can’t afford to live.
There is a great crop of people running for council this year and we trust they will manage the many challenges with their hearts and brains.
If we pass this bond, we know what we are getting and know how much it will cost.
Vote yes on Tuesday for a predictable future for Sandpoint. A no vote leaves too many questions that can’t be answered.
David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.