Mr. Mayor, Mr. Fifer and Mr. Gahan you need to get together and agree on your facts!
1. Fox News-June 6, 2006
Quote: "Mayor Garner says he will recommend a 24% Sewer increase to council in June or July."
2. Courier Journal June 7, 2006
Quote: "Without a rate increase next year, Fifer said, "We will be bouncing checks."
3. Courier Journal June 7, 2006
Quote: "The New Albany sewage system can survive financially this year without a rate increase, but it's reserves will be dangerously low after a $5 million bond payment in September, sewer board lawyer Greg Fifer has told the council.
4. Courier Journal June 7, 2006
Quote: "Fifer said they-could and he urged the council to find a way to solve the financial problem this summer."
Question Atty. Fifer: So which is it this summer or next year? It sounds like you are talking to the taxpayers out of both sides of your mouth at the same time.
Quote: "After the Council discusses the options, Gahan said, he hopes a meeting can be scheduled to get more details about the need for a rate increase. The council might then be able to take action in August or September, Gahan said."
Good God fellows can't you all get your facts and time frames straight? Now, this summer or next year?
Our Summary of Sewer Rate increase:
* Fox News (6-6-06)
Mayor Garner says, He will recommend a 24% sewer bill in June or July 2006 at next Council meeting.
* Courier (6-7-06)
Sewer Board Attorney Fifer says, "Next Year."
Fifer projected at 26 percent to 32 percent increase.
* Courier (6-7-06)
Council Pres. Gahan says: August or September 2006
Now here is the taxpayers question: You Garner say 24% increase. Then Fifer says 26-32 percent increase on our sewer bill. So who is telling us the truth? Or do you guys even know how much of an increase your going to put on us citizens?
And please don't say "It will only be a few dollars more than what your currently paying".... "GOOD GRIEF" Jimmy! Can't you come up with a better line than this one?
Freedom Of Speech would like to actually "Thank You" Council President Gahan for finally telling us taxpayers the truth when you made this statement:
C/J 6-7-06
Quote: "I think it would have been very helpful to have had that conversation "90 days ago" when Mayor James Garner began talking about the need for a sewer rate increase." Gahan said.
This comment is absolutely priceless!
It tells us taxpayers all we need to know. It is another 11th hour "hurry up and do or die emergency". But the real bottom line on a sewer increase is lack of judgement in making the necessary cuts in the budget and the mismanagement. This is another example of incompetence and poor management skills on the mayors part, and most importantly not doing what is best for the taxpayers.
Where is it written the citizens of New Albany should pay for your mistakes Mr. Mayor?
Freedom Of Speech would like to ask you Mr. Mayor:
How about telling the truth about the sewer increase? Can't you just say, "We are broke and if I don't raise your sewer bills we can't fix what the EPA demands or we will:
1. Not receive needed sewer credits.
2. Be fined by the EPA.
3. Can't make the Bond payment in September.
Finally just say it Jimmy, "We are broke because I have mismanaged and over spent".
How hard is that, Mr. Mayor?
