Story Created:
Nov 18, 2009 at 7:08 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 18, 2009 at 7:34 PM CDT
CARBONDALE, Ill. - A local city council is talking about selling its water rights, which includes a water treatment plant and two waste water treatment plants. Carbondale City Manager Allen Gill is considering this option because the city will be more than $5 million in debt next fiscal year without change.
City planners estimate the sale would boost the city coffer $42 million, but it would almost certainly mean higher water bills. This worries Carbondale citizens like D. Gorton. "I think it's a terrible idea to sell the water rights to balance a budget. We're going through a tough time, but that doesn't mean you hit all the panic buttons."
City leaders say they have to do something to balance the budget. Declining tax revenue and increasing pension plan costs can't be ignored. "These are not normal times for any of us, and looking at the magnitude of the situation, it's important we look at all options," said Gill.
Water rates would likely increase about 35 cents per 750 gallons if the Illinois American Water Co. bought Carbondale's water rights. The difference adds up to $7 more a month for the average family, but a private company would have the option to raise the rates even more. Illinois American Water Co. is trying to increase rates in Alton, Ill. by 30 percent, according to The Alton Telegraph.
"It's not just the rates though, it's the ability to control our own destiny in a town like this," said Gorton. Many people like Gorton are afraid selling Carbondale's water rights could lead to higher water bills, but city leaders say these are desperate times and they want to look at all options.
They would use the money to build a new fire station and a new police station, fund city pension plans and pay debts. No final decisions were made at this weeks city council meeting. The council will continue to hold public meetings about selling Carbondale's water rights.
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TJR said on Tuesday, Nov 24 at 3:45 PM
Is Carbondale selling the rights over to American Water Co? Also, what possible benefits could the mayor and city council get from this?
32619504Christopher Kane Lee said on Tuesday, Nov 24 at 12:41 PM
Great idea Ralph. Let's sell the police and fire departments too, they would be better run and more profitable to run by a nice private company. Can we sell off those city pensions too? Surely that would give the citizens of Carbondale more "liberty". Can we sell the city council too, or has that already been done?
32606194Ralph said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 8:00 AM
Good. Government should privatize everything possible and be as small as possible.
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