On Tuesday, June 30, the Pullman City Council announced it was considering utility rate increases; water rates could increase by as much as 8 percent annually, while sewer rates could increase by as much as 12.5 percent annually. This fee structure is roughly double the existing planned increases.

According to the Moscow Pullman Daily News, in an article published 7/1/09, the increased fees are needed “to pay for [multiple] infrastructure projects,” including an $11 million project to double the capacity of the Pullman wastewater treatment plant's aeration pond. Other projects include infrastructure maintenance and planned expansion of current systems.

According to the Public Works department, the fees to fund this project could result in overall increases of up to 40% for water and up to 80% for sewer over a five year period. In addition, storm water fee increases are coming, which will further increase out-of-pocket expenses for the citizens of Pullman. This gives me great pause.

As this process moves forward, we need to scrutinize these projects carefully. Those proposals for maintenance of aging infrastructure should be prioritized - if any of these systems were to fail, emergency repairs always cost more than planned maintenance, and the resulting work is of lower quality with less longevity. As such, emergency repairs are NOT an effective expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

Beyond planned maintenance, what projects must the city undertake because of unfunded mandates from other government agencies? Of those remaining projects, which are truly necessary, and which can be delayed until such time as we find ourselves on better financial footing?

Expanding the system to promote local growth may be a double edged sword. If we build out infrastructure to accommodate future growth that does not occur, then those dollars will have been wasted. However, if we fail to develop new infrastructure, and that failure to act results in a developer choosing not to build in Pullman, then we will have damaged ourselves in the process of attempting to be responsible stewards of the public trust. Prioritizing and making certain those projects selected are truly necessary will be critical moving forward.

Because of the method by which water/sewer districts are funded and their self-sufficient nature, re-allocation of general fund dollars for such projects is not commonplace. However, in this time of dramatically decreasing revenues and an economy in crisis, we need to think outside of the box. If allowed by law, there are under-utilized programs in the general budget that can be cut, and those funds can be re-allocated for these water/sewer projects, then those steps should be taken prior to increasing fees to this extent. Government must be held to the same standard as the private citizen, and should be required to use all available funds efficiently.

The primary responsibilities of the City of Pullman are providing our basic infrastructure and emergency services, and providing opportunities for growth. If these projects and improvements are truly necessary, then every home and business - every resident will benefit from them. It is only prudent that tax revenues (and fees) be spent on projects and programs are constantly evaluated to provide maximum benefit to our residents. This situation also further defines the need for a more robust retail sector which can generate the revenue needed for more economically feasible long term development.

Obviously, close scrutiny of this proposal is warranted, and I would encourage all Pullman residents with specific concerns to take an active part in the public review process.

Finally, it is imperative that we address head on the issue of unfunded mandates, which are, by nature, violative of both the United States Constitution as well as the Washington State Constitution, and account for a significant portion of the costs of these projects.

(Full disclosure: I am currently a candidate for Pullman City Council, Ward 1 Position 7)