HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-08 97-384 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACTION
Item No,_ 9Y_.364i
Date: 9- 91
fteMSubject RESOLVE: Calling upon the Public Utilities Commission in Reduce the Requested
Bangor Hydro Electric Rate Request to the Smallest Possible Amount
Responsible Department: City Council
Commentary:
Councilors Baldacm and Leen recently requested that a Resolve be drafted opposing the requested 15.58°%
rate hike which Bangor Hydro has filed with the PUC. Adraft Resolve was discussed at the most recent
Municipal Operations Committee meeting, and a raised version appears on tonight§ agenda.
As revised, the Resolve focuses on the impacts which such a one increase will have on our operating
budget, am citizens, existing employers, and ora economic development efforts. It dvects the City
Solicitor to prepare testimony on these issues to be presented at the PUC public hearing scheduled for
September 16, 199] and m coordinate our efforts with other area municipalities. The goal is to reduce the
rate increase to the smallest possible amount.
Municipal Operations recommends your approval
Manager's Comments:
Associated Infarmadow
Resolve
Budget Approval:
Department Head
.[ME i �I,y
Finance Director
Legal Approval: Q ' �jf/,tAssggq��a
/LW �y
City Solic r
Introduced for
x Passage
_First Reading Page_of_
_Referral
9)-384
Assigned to Councilor leen & Baldacci September S, 1997
,1 - CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.)l!SQItiBa.._CaIGpgUpoo Ne Public Utllides Commission to Reduce ca
Requested Bangor Hydro Electric Rate Realistic to the Smallest Possible Amount
............................................................................................................... _.. _... _.................... ............
By Nc City Doandi of Ga Oily of Buser.
BBSOLVBD.
WHEREAS, the Bangor Hydro Electric Company has regoestel caddie Public Utilities Commission
. approve a 15.58% raw increase effective March 1,1998; and
WHEREAS, arate increase oftlds size will further increase electric rates, which are currently among the
highest in the country; and
WHEREAS, such a me increase will have an effect upon the economy of our region by making it mare
difficult to attract new businesses and by placing a burden upon our current employers and
the jobs they now provide; and
WHEREAS; this increase will also impacdce budgets of senior citizens living on fixed incomes and
families struggling to make ends meet; and
WHEREAS, this increase will also affect due citizens of Bangor by increasing City electrical costs by
more than $250,000 for such essential services as traffic and street lighting, Ireawent plant
operation, and the operation of public buildings, schools, and facilities, costs which will be
reflected m the property taxes and service charges which our citizens and property owners
must pay;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ABSOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THB CITY OF BANGOR,
THAT: the City Council calls upon the Public Utilities Commission to reduce the proposed
15.58% Bangor Hydra rate increase to the smallest possible summit taking him account the
hardship such an increase will create for our citizens, existing employers, and our economic
development efforts;
AND, BE IT FARTHER RESOLVED, THAT: the City Solicitor shall prepare testimony to be
presented to the PUC at the public hewing scheduled for September 16,1991 which will identify
the impact which this rate bike will have on small businesses, municipal budgets and property
taxpayers, residents living on fixed and limited incomes, and our ability do attract new businesses
to our commonly. The City Solicitor shall call upon the appropriate City staff to assemble the
necessary information;
AND, BE IT FARTHER RESOLVED, THAT: the City Solicitor shall coordinate efforts of offer area
municipalities m present relevant testimony concerning this increase to the PUC hearing.
IN C11x COUNCIL
September 8, 1997
Passed
Councilor Tyler Abstained
x aesx
97-384
EE50LVE
Calling Upon the Public Utilities Com-
mission to Reduce the Requested Bangor
Hydro -Electric Hate. Bequest to the Smal-
lest Possible Amount
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