Resident voices concern over speeding, water rate

RITZVILLE – During the public comment portion of the Tuesday, April 16, City Council meeting, resident Don Sanger expressed frustration about two issues.

First was the lack of a solar-powered speed limit sign near his home on Weber Avenue. Second was his contention that the city’s water billing policy is unfair.

Regarding the first issue, Sanger said, “I want a solar-powered speed limit sign placed on Weber Avenue. Countless semis travel that road in excess of 35 mph.

“I offered to pay for a sign out of my own pocket, and received no response. That tells me this issue isn’t a priority. Apparently, you don’t care.”

Police Chief Dave McCormick responded that he had applied for grants from the state Traffic Safety Commission.

Over the course of two years, the department received funding for two flashing speed-limit signs, he said. Two similar signs were donated to the department.

“When I applied to the commission for additional funding, they rejected my request,” he said. “I concluded that we’ve got what we’re going to get. So, I didn’t reapply.”

McCormick noted that purchasing another sign hasn’t been a budget priority over the past few years.

Later in the meeting, McCormick revisited the topic.

“I deal with Don every year on this speed issue. I don’t recall him ever offering to buy a sign, but I will get a price.”

McCormick agreed that placing another speed limit sign along Weber Avenue would be appropriate. “When we have staff available, we place a police car on Weber Avenue and write citations,” he said.

Base water rate

Regarding the second issue, Sanger said told the city the water billing system is not fair.

“The city bills me for over 4,000 cubic feet of water. If I don’t use all that water, why should I pay for it,” he said. “A lot of people in this community can’t afford to pay for something they don’t get.”

“The city’s base rate covers zero to 599 gallons,” Mayor Scott Yaeger responded. “You’re charged the base rate whether you use 4, 30 or 300 gallons.”

Under the base rate, 599 gallons is the equivalent of 4,480 cubic feet of water.

“That’s my point. If I don’t use all those gallons, why should I get billed for them,”

Sanger countered.

The base rate is necessary for the city to cover costs to deliver water, Councilman Mike Schrag told Sanger.

“That revenue pays for infrastructure,” he said. “The city has a capital outlay of $2 million a well. If you had to drill a well on your own property…”

“I don’t have to drill a well on my own property,” Sanger responded. “That’s not the point. I know you need money to operate. Just don’t bill people for something they don’t use. It’s not fair.