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Stantonsburg ups electric rate despite protests

By Sarah A. Wise
NL Staff Writer
Monday night, Stantonsburg’s town board accepted a proposed budget with a 10 percent increase on electrical services—despite calls from several citizens to hold off on an increase until next year.
During last year’s budget discussions, the town board members passed an identical increase. After facing the option of either holding off on an electrical increase until 2008, when rates could jump as much as 25 or 30 percent, or implementing a gradual increase over the next three budgets, the board members voted to implement a gradual increase.
As the budget came to a vote last year, a few citizens, as well as board members Dan Whitley and Billy Bardin, expressed disapproval of the increased rate. Mr. Whitley commented during one discussion that the potential increase in 2008 was “speculation,” and that he didn’t agree with raising the rate now.
But as the town of Stantonsburg prepared for this year’s budget proposal, a second increase of 10 percent ruffled a few feathers. Several citizens expressed concern at the rate increase, noting that the increase would have a disproportionately negative effect on the elderly, who have a limited income. They urged the board to wait until next year to implement another increase, but Town Manager Gary Davis stood by the need for an increase.
“Towns say they are a non-profit organization,” he said, “We are for profit. If you don’t believe me ask the local government commission. They’re telling you year after year to build reserves so that when your wastewater plant needs renovations or other utility needs repair, you have it.”
At the end of the meeting, the commissioners held final discussions on the budget, pointing out other changes. A key change was the implementation of a tiered rate for sewer flow from Saratoga. Currently, the town charges Saratoga a flat rate of $19, and a rate of $2.75 per 1,000 gallons of water. However, last November the town received a fine for going over their allotted capacity, in part due to the inflow from Saratoga. This year’s budget implements a charge of $3.75 for every 1,000 gallons of water beyond an allotted capacity of 60,000.
“The state’s been suggesting for some time that we tier their water rate,” said Mr. Davis. “In the past it’s been a bit of a problem, but the fact that we’re receiving fines now makes it a bigger problem.”
However, he hesitated to follow the state’s practice of doubling the charge per thousand gallons over, saying that he felt it was too harsh.
An allocation for recreation will also be included in this year’s budget at the urging of Mr. Whitley and Commissioner Hubert Tyson. Rev. Tyson recalled this past Easter, when a photo of Stantonsburg Elementary Students participating in an Easter Egg Hunt in Black Creek ran in the Wilson Daily Times.
“It’s a shame that our kids don’t have a park or a decent place to have an Easter egg hunt,” he said. “It’s a slap in the face to Stantonsburg, and I refuse to take a back seat to Black Creek, or Fremont, or where ever.”
Before calling a final vote on the budget, the commissioners expressed their views on the electrical increase, which went along the same lines they did last year.
Commissioner Watson said that if members of the town were really concerned about the increase, they would have attended the public hearing.
“When there was the discussion of a group home here, there were as many as 50 people in here,” he said.
JoAnn Lucas, who had argued against the increase, said that she was there to represent all of the citizens of the town. She noted that many of the older citizens can’t get around very easily, but that she felt they needed to be considered because of their limited income.
Mr. Davis offered a personal comment, stating that he has three children in college right now, but he still has to pay for the increase. “The town still has bills to pay too.”
Mr. Edmundson added that he felt strongly that the town must implement the gradual increase because a 30 percent increase would be even more devastating to those on a limited income.
“It’s going to hurt whenever it happens, “ said Mrs. Lucas.
Commissioners Tyson, Watson, and Edmundson voted in favor and Commissioners Whitley and Bardin opposed.
In response to criticism from a few citizens, Mr. Edmundson stated he felt he was doing what was best in the overall plan for the future.
“I see the writing on the wall and I choose to learn from history,” he said.

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