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Mayor raises utility funding concerns, Delco option and zoning appeals after design review hearing
Summary
Mayor Larry told the council he was struck by public engagement at a recent design review hearing and urged discussion of utility funding and possible regional water options such as "Delco," saying the city should consider utility rate changes rather than repeated transfers from the general fund.
Mayor Larry used his remarks at the council meeting to note strong public turnout earlier in the day at a design review dispute and to press for discussion of the city’s utility finances and options for water supply.
"This room was full at 4 or 5," the mayor said, describing a contested design review and a Board of Zoning Appeals decision that he said allowed the Elks to proceed with steel siding. He criticized inflammatory social media posts aimed at volunteers who serve on boards and urged civility toward appointed citizens.
The mayor then turned to municipal finances, saying it is "way too easy to take a million dollars out of the general fund every November" to cover utility shortfalls and that the council should discuss the advisability of utility rate increases to avoid repeated transfers. He said the council will review the issue at the next utility committee meeting and noted prior local reviews of regional options: "We looked at Delco when the EPA suggested it. We looked at MuSiris when the EPA suggested it."
He warned residents that accepting water from a regional provider could change water characteristics, saying, "If you like soft water, you're gonna you would hate the transition," and emphasized that any regional supplier would expect the city to pay capital costs to accept and treat water. He also said the city will revisit Delco as an option and present cost and service comparisons at a future committee meeting.
Auditor Satterfield and other council members did not propose immediate action; the mayor framed the comments as preparatory for upcoming utility committee discussion rather than a formal decision. No binding votes were taken on rates or supply options during the meeting.
