City Council vote a sham

I attended the Whitefish City Council public hearing Sept. 6 on revised wastewater rates. The stated purpose of the meeting was to receive public input.

Our position expressed support for the new treatment plant but simply requested that all user categories pay the same monthly increase for the identical use of the new facility.

Unfortunately, the new rate increases in Rest Haven are almost three times higher than the lowest user category in the city.

As an example, the increase in the fixed rates went up only 85 cents for Inside SC-1 but went up $2.40 for Rest Haven, and the increase in the volumetric rates went up only 82 cents per 1,000 gallons for inside SC-2 but Rest Haven rates increased $2.36.

Other outside the city user categories had similar variances. This is simply not fair.

The process was also flawed. After various citizens presented their input, it became apparent that City Council, after spending major tax dollars on the water and wastewater study, had no intention of listening to our logical and respectful requests to re-visit the proposed rates. The staff got the last say before Council voted — there was not a chance to rebut their claims.

This is neither right nor just — it’s simply the most expeditious way for City Council to operate and give window dressing to what amounts to a fait accompli.

The whole evening was a sham.

— David Trousdale, Whitefish