Water and sewer rate adjustments

Argued the city collected about $6 million from the 2014 rate increase without spending it on infrastructure, and said the proposed 400% increase is double what's needed.

Called the increases too much too fast (roughly quadrupling rates, about $1,200/year extra for the average home), permanent, and based on inflated assumptions; asked the city to postpone the January 26 hearing.

Criticized the Prop 218 protest process and the low-income program design, and questioned general fund spending on Magnolia Power and the Performing Arts Center.

Supported raising rates somehow but urged the council to find a middle ground and engage the community rather than rely on the high protest threshold.

Argued rates must rise because the water department runs deficits, but urged the increase be sufficient to avoid a second increase and comparable to neighboring cities.

Blamed prior council majorities for deferring the problem and thanked the current council for tackling it.

Argued general fund money legally can't subsidize water, that rates are the only lawful funding source, and that delaying only raises future costs.

Relayed complaints from seniors and small business owners worried the increases could put mom-and-pop shops under, and asked about impacts on schools.