Danger of Complacency

According to Webster’s Dictionary, complacency is defined as “mild contentment”. When one is complacent, one becomes tolerant and impassive. Don’t let the present city administration lead you into a false sense of security. After reading some of the comments from the “Sunshine” area of the city, it is very disturbing that some of the residents there are so shortsighted. Anyone can figure out that if all Polk City Utility customers receive monthly bills of only $50.00, this city would have been bankrupt long ago. When you go to the city and request to see someone else’s utility bill, do you also ask to see the bills that are from some of the county residents receiving Polk City water and sewer bills, and are billed at an additional 25% above city utility customers?

The main source of revenue for the city is in the form of utility receipts and ad-valorum property taxes come in second. The primary reason why Polk City purchased the Mt. Olive WWF from the County two years ago was to eventually hook up its customer base to the system, which would give them more control to increase the city’s revenue. Just ask the customers who are now hooked up to the city’s water and sewer system. If the residents in the “Sunshine” area of the city think they will be exempt from being included in future sewer expansion they are living in “Fantasy Land”. The city is a corporation, and exists to make money. They do not fall into the “Non-Profit Organization” category, although their finances have been running in “the red” for several years.

The fact about having a separate irrigation meter installed is that it will only benefit those in areas that are hooked up to the sewer system. The water flowing through the standard water meter and the irrigation meter comes from the same source, since the city does not offer reclaimed water. The water being measured by the irrigation meter is being charged the same water rate as your drinking water. The way the sewer customers will benefit from having an irrigation meter is by not being charged sewer usage on the water that flows through the irrigation meter. The utility bill will reflect an extra monthly charge for the irrigation meter after it is installed, whether it is used or not.

During the Oct. 12, 2010 City Council meeting, one utility customer requested that the city reconsider the total ban on well drilling, and allow wells for irrigation purposes only. The resident stated that he realizes the water used to water lawns is a big money maker for the city. The city’s reason for banning wells is that it places undue burden on the natural water resources in the aquifer. Pun intended, this argument does not hold water, since the water pulled from the aquifer to water lawns and wash cars will drain right back into the ground, returning it to the aquifer. Mayor LaCascia’s response implied that this issue is not a priority with the city at this time. Obviously the city is not willing to give up this additional source of revenue anytime soon.