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15 <br /> >Should recover additional $80k in FY 2010 <br /> •Increase rates by 300% by January 1 <br /> >Achieves revenue sufficiency in FY 2009 <br /> >Provides additional revenues in subsequent years to address capital expenditures. <br /> Affordability Programs <br /> •Lifeline Rates: <br /> >Eliminate monthly base charge for low-income customers <br /> •Discount Plans: <br /> >Reduce bill of low-income customers by a percentage <br /> •Leak Repair Programs <br /> >Provide vouchers for plumbers to identify and repair leaks in low-income homes <br /> •Loss revenue should be recovered through general fund subsidy <br /> Laura Blackmon pointed out that the sewer system has not had a rate change in 20 years <br /> and the goal is for it to sustain itself and not to make money. In order to do that, the <br /> recommendation is to increase the rates over a three-year period. The salmon-colored sheet has <br /> a table with the increases. <br /> Discussion ensued on the rate of water usage in Efland. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested looking at how schools are treated in the Town of Hillsborough <br /> with regards to water, because the increase in rates will affect Efland-Cheeks Elementary <br /> School. <br /> Frank Davis suggested charging the school the same rate, especially if the rate of usage <br /> is relatively typical as far as the characteristics. If the school is given a preferential rate, then it <br /> will increase everyone else's rate. <br /> Frank Davis continued with the PowerPoint. <br /> Commissioner Gordon would like to take care of the people that cannot afford the rate <br /> increases. She thinks that the new customers should be charged the new rates. She agrees <br /> with phasing in and suggested having a public hearing. <br /> The rate change is set up to begin with the January bills. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that the public hearing is proposed for November 61h. Chair Jacobs <br /> suggested putting information in the bills, which would be between November 15th and 201h. <br /> Commissioner Nelson is not comfortable with taking this to public hearing until the Board <br /> has been able to discuss it more. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested putting this on the November 61h agenda as a discussion item <br /> and then on November 24th for public hearing. <br /> Chair Jacobs would like to understand more how closely Orange-Alamance and <br /> Hillsborough rates parallel with these proposed rates. He would like to look into giving this over <br /> to Hillsborough, as long as an out-of-town rate was not charged. <br /> Commissioner Gordon suggested having an executive summary for the public so that it is <br /> easier to understand. <br /> f. Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2009 <br /> The Board was to consider final approval of the regular meeting schedule for the Board of <br /> County commissioners for calendar year 2009. <br />