Rate Increases: Town seeks input from residents

On May 9 at 6 p.m., the Basin Town Council is asking the public to come to a special meeting prior to the regular council meeting which begins at 7 p.m. The topic of discussion will be rate increases.
At the April 25 council meeting there was a discussion about raising rates — not just for water but also mosquito spraying, electric, etc. Mayor CJ Duncan said, “We know the water supplier we get the water from is having an increase. We’ve talked about that on our domestic water.”
He continued that the electric fund is not producing the amount of income needed.
Duncan explained that the rate increase for domestic water to the town is 10%. This is the same increase that will be passed on to the town’s customers.
“The proposed rate increase is 2.5% to the electric rate. There is an increase proposed to raw water of $3 a month. If we want to continue to have a mosquito conversation, with the cost of the chemical increasing, the mosquito fund doesn’t make any money.”
Town Attorney Kent Richins asked Duncan if the proposed increases would start on July 1. Duncan indicated yes.
The mayor said there also needs to be a discussion about utility deposits, service transfers and shut-off fees.
Potential ordinance changes will be addressed at the May 9 meeting as well.
POTENTIAL CEMETERY INCREASE
Councilperson Brent Godfrey inquired about raising the cemetery fees for out-of-town burials. Duncan responded, “If you ever want to have that cemetery turned into a district, there is only one way to force the people that utilize that cemetery into wanting to vote for it to be a district. They will either vote to make it a district or they will quit using it. That is the only way it will go.”
He continued that if the town has open/close rates and sells lots, there is already a price
difference for in town versus out-of-town rates/sales.
Councilperson Carl Olson stated that the discussion was just about raising out-of-town rates. Duncan said the increase would have to be put on the ballot.
Councilperson Chuck Hopkin brought up that the cemetery already runs in the red with a $54,000 deficit. Duncan said the $54,000 comes out of town’s tax revenues (property taxes, highway taxes, cigarette taxes and lottery taxes) which are put in the town’s general fund.
Olson expressed concern that if the town raises the rates and the cemetery doesn’t become a district, they may lose the out-of-towners, which could raise the $54,000 figure.  Duncan responded that at least the tax money that is appropriated for the incorporated area of Basin is being spent on the town’s citizens. He doesn’t feel it is fair that the taxpayer in Basin currently makes up the difference.
Olson continued that he believes a district would be good but how to make it happen is the issue. Godfrey said the last time it was voted on, it was voted down strongly.  
OTHER BUSINESS
• A liquor license transfer from Elk Wallow Saloon to Big Horn Co-op was approved.
• Town resident Roger Brewer brought forth his concerns about a ditch/drain behind his home that is a prime mosquito breeding area. The property is owned by the railroad. Duncan said the town had cleaned up the area before and had been cited by the railroad. Brewer was directed to start with the railroad.
• An executive session was held to discuss potential litigation and personnel.
• The council and the Basin Chamber will do an event June 1 at the fishing pond for Free Fishing Day for kids.
• The town is waiting to hear back from WYDOT regarding a stockpiling agreement.
• Fireworks will be allowed in town on July 4 from noon to 12 a.m. This year the council added that the fireworks must be set off on private property — no streets, parks, sidewalks, etc.  
• Duncan said he would like to resume the Big Horn County mayor meetings. The topic would be sixth-cent sales tax. “I think sales tax is a good way to go because it goes solely on the money you spend, not the money you make,” he said. “It is also generated by people who drive through Big Horn County.”