Sure the utility is an asset as it has a value. The real question is do you think it's fair to use a city asset in such a way that a commodity like electric is charged to our businesses at the highest rate in the state of Florida. You have no idea how this one aspect of our city has caused business to move a few miles outside our borders so as not to pay this unfair tax. No idea how it has negatively affected our real estate values. So the utility has become an asset that has hurt our city. If we had no utility our city leaders would have had no choice but to balance the city budget with the funds we all pay in taxes. The utility has no regulation on it so our "tax" (electric) rate can go as high as the city commission in its wisdom wants to sock it to us. In my view this asset needs to be regulated. Perhaps a Charter amendment that prevents any city commission from charging higher utioty rates than FPL without first proving to all of us that a higher rate is fair and just.
that would be a ridiculous Charter Amendment. Can you please wait until we negotiate with a new energy provider before you start with this type of stuff?
It is beginning to look as though no matter who we go with that it will not lower our electric rates.Unless the city learns how to balance the budget without the electric revenues we are always going to make up the difference with electric funds. I think the city should be prepared for all the utility rates going up with the high cost of the R.O. plant in energy and the the higher cost of the ECR operation. FYI Sedanos grocery store is leaving the north end mainly because of the high cost of utilities.
You are correct. They buy based on their investment returning a profit. Lake Worth lost more in taxable value than any of the 38 municipalities in PB County including Riv Bch and Belle Glade. So why did we lose so much more than every other city?
Most municipalities balance their budgets just fine without owning any of their utilities. No residential voter will tell you that Lake worth's reputation for being the highest cost utility provider with the worst service was anything but well known and a negative factor in pricing and the buying decision. commercial can't be much different.
If Lantana, Delray, Palm Springs and other Cities can operate without their own Utility and still provide services to their citizens, Lake Worth can do the same. Perhaps it's time our eleceteds had a chat with the Commissions of these other Municipalities to see how it's done. It's been far to easy to fall back on the utilities when funds come up short. It's time to get to work and make this town pay for itself! Our cash cow needs to be put out to pasture.
The only thing I can guess is they have lower union labor and retirement costs. We certainly did NOT negotiate the PBSO contract well as we pay the highest cost per person around. I believe the cities you mentioned do not have PBSO.
Two cities that border each other, one has the highest commercial electric rates in the state and is so lucky to own its own electric utility. The other city gets its power from FPL a regulated electric company. Here the rates are much lower. One city can't pay it's bills because it can't generate enough income from its property tax so it raises utility rates to pay the bills. Which city do you invest in? Which city has screwed itself by using this asset to rape it citizens and businesses?
Sure the utility is an asset as it has a value. The real question is do you think it's fair to use a city asset in such a way that a commodity like electric is charged to our businesses at the highest rate in the state of Florida. You have no idea how this one aspect of our city has caused business to move a few miles outside our borders so as not to pay this unfair tax. No idea how it has negatively affected our real estate values. So the utility has become an asset that has hurt our city. If we had no utility our city leaders would have had no choice but to balance the city budget with the funds we all pay in taxes. The utility has no regulation on it so our "tax" (electric) rate can go as high as the city commission in its wisdom wants to sock it to us. In my view this asset needs to be regulated. Perhaps a Charter amendment that prevents any city commission from charging higher utioty rates than FPL without first proving to all of us that a higher rate is fair and just.
ReplyDeletethat would be a ridiculous Charter Amendment. Can you please wait until we negotiate with a new energy provider before you start with this type of stuff?
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is an asset. Do you consider it an asset with positive cash flow or negative cash flow?
It is beginning to look as though no matter who we go with that it will not lower our electric rates.Unless the city learns how to balance the budget without the electric revenues we are always going to make up the difference with electric funds. I think the city should be prepared for all the utility rates going up with the high cost of the R.O. plant in energy and the the higher cost of the ECR operation. FYI Sedanos grocery store is leaving the north end mainly because of the high cost of utilities.
ReplyDeleteToo bad Sedanos was not competitive with Publix's new Sabor.
ReplyDeleteGet rid of the Unions and reduce the ridiculous cost of public safety and you might be able to reduce rates to FPL's.
ReplyDeleteBeing in real estate for several decades I can tell you that people do not buy based on electric and water rates or taxes.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. They buy based on their investment returning a profit. Lake Worth lost more in taxable value than any of the 38 municipalities in PB County including Riv Bch and Belle Glade. So why did we lose so much more than every other city?
ReplyDeleteCost of electric, water or low graded schools?
How about businesses?
John how do you expect the city to operate if they don't take money from the utility?
ReplyDeleteMost municipalities balance their budgets just fine without owning any of their utilities.
ReplyDeleteNo residential voter will tell you that Lake worth's reputation for being the highest cost utility provider with the worst service was anything but well known and a negative factor in pricing and the buying decision.
commercial can't be much different.
Anon, I'm not John, but how does every other city operate without money from their own utility?
ReplyDeleteIf Lantana, Delray, Palm Springs and other Cities can operate without their own Utility and still provide services to their citizens, Lake Worth can do the same. Perhaps it's time our eleceteds had a chat with the Commissions of these other Municipalities to see how it's done. It's been far to easy to fall back on the utilities when funds come up short. It's time to get to work and make this town pay for itself! Our cash cow needs to be put out to pasture.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can guess is they have lower union labor and retirement costs. We certainly did NOT negotiate the PBSO contract well as we pay the highest cost per person around. I believe the cities you mentioned do not have PBSO.
ReplyDeleteOur residential rate is right in the middle of all rates in the state.
ReplyDeleteas always it's the Unions It's PBSO how about it is incompetents........ Commission and Staff running the city.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what's draining our money, anonymous. How come you don't know that?
ReplyDeleteTwo cities that border each other, one has the highest commercial electric rates in the state and is so lucky to own its own electric utility. The other city gets its power from FPL a regulated electric company. Here the rates are much lower. One city can't pay it's bills because it can't generate enough income from its property tax so it raises utility rates to pay the bills. Which city do you invest in? Which city has screwed itself by using this asset to rape it citizens and businesses?
ReplyDelete