Resident urges Carl Junction to use bills, email and hallway displays to notify public of strategic plan and rate increases

Carl Junction ' At the June 2 meeting of the Board of Aldermen, resident Michael Moore urged city leaders to improve public communication about the strategic plan and upcoming utility rate increases, suggesting several practical steps to reach residents.

Moore asked that the city put a final version of the strategic-plan presentation on a table in City Hall for residents to view and suggested the city add short notices about upcoming rate increases to monthly utility bills so customers would know in advance what to expect. "When you have rate increases coming up, put it in the monthly bill," Moore told the board, adding that many residents use the monthly bill whether they receive it electronically or on paper.

Moore referenced a news article about a local utility's planned rate increases and said the city's own water increase appears in minutes and budget documents but may be hard for residents to find. He said he saw a listed water increase of 10% followed by another 10% next year in the minutes and urged the council to communicate those impacts directly to customers. Moore offered to help with publishing copies and said he would purchase printed copies for others who could not afford them.

Council members and staff acknowledged the suggestions and discussed possible outreach methods such as mass email to customers enrolled in direct debit, posting print notices, and possibly hiring a full- or part-time communications person if budget allows. Staff said they would examine the city database and options for notices and follow up on feasible steps.