Thank you Tom for the updates. This backs up some of my points that I presented to the Council during Public Comments on Dec 7, 2023. The Council smugly rationalized the cost of a Utility mandate by implying there is "Grant" money available (implying shielding of the residents from the cost). They talk about this money as if it's "free" money. In this case its Fed (ARPA) money, and given the state of budget affairs in DC its "borrowed" money (often from China) on our behalf. I mentioned to the council that these grants are usually means-tested. (this one says you have to show a tax return just to apply, I saw no income level mentioned), there are a lot of retirees around here with 401Ks , I can foresee those affected folks might have to disclose their assets when applying for these future grants that are supposed to come down the pike. (in previous episodes of attempted Utility mandates this was the case) Btw- I'll add that I spoke to a Well Driller this week, (and exchanged msgs with another last month) it seems to be the consensus that the City cannot force you to abandon your well in lieu of a City water connection. (wells are in the jurisdiction of the St John's water management district, so be prudent when you vote for their leaders on the ballot). I'm NOT a Lawyer, but to me this raises a question of the validity of the connection ordinance in the first place since well-connection is not within the City's jurisdiction. Stay tuned.
Thank you Tom for the updates. This backs up some of my points that I presented to the Council during Public Comments on Dec 7, 2023. The Council smugly rationalized the cost of a Utility mandate by implying there is "Grant" money available (implying shielding of the residents from the cost). They talk about this money as if it's "free" money. In this case its Fed (ARPA) money, and given the state of budget affairs in DC its "borrowed" money (often from China) on our behalf. I mentioned to the council that these grants are usually means-tested. (this one says you have to show a tax return just to apply, I saw no income level mentioned), there are a lot of retirees around here with 401Ks , I can foresee those affected folks might have to disclose their assets when applying for these future grants that are supposed to come down the pike. (in previous episodes of attempted Utility mandates this was the case) Btw- I'll add that I spoke to a Well Driller this week, (and exchanged msgs with another last month) it seems to be the consensus that the City cannot force you to abandon your well in lieu of a City water connection. (wells are in the jurisdiction of the St John's water management district, so be prudent when you vote for their leaders on the ballot). I'm NOT a Lawyer, but to me this raises a question of the validity of the connection ordinance in the first place since well-connection is not within the City's jurisdiction. Stay tuned.