Council Sets Water Rates, Will Consider Sewer Rate in April

The Toledo City Council Wednesday set higher water rates, effective April 21, based on a recommendation in the water rate study conducted by the city’s consulting engineer. Residential customers with a standard 5/8 inch meter will pay a base rate of $22.00 per month and a $5.00 service charge. The water usage rate will become $4.25 per thousand gallons. There are various multipliers for customers with larger meter sizes. The Seal Rock Water District, which purchases water from Toledo, will continue to pay Toledo the residential rate for its water. Connection fees for new service will start at $300. City Manager Michelle Amberg said in a report to Council members, “the new (water) rate is sufficient to meet the needs of the water system in the coming year, and pay the debt service on the upcoming water revenue bonds.” Rates will increase 1.25% every fiscal year, as recommended in the water rate study. Council members decided to set aside a proposed resolution adopting higher sewer rates. Amberg admitted that staff had spent so much time working on water rates it had neglected to address sewer rates, which she said also need to rise. Although sewer rates went up 10% in 2011, actual revenues only rose 4%. Council members will take up the sewer rate increase issue at its April 10 work session.

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Toledo Gives Port Free Utilities at Park

The Toledo City Council Wednesday granted a Port of Toledo request to waive utility fees at its new waterfront park. Port Commissioner Gregg Harrison had asked councilors at the March 13 work session to waive all water, sewer, street light and street maintenance fees at the waterfront park now development. The facility will have round-the-clock restrooms and a sanitary pump station for boats at its transient dock, as well as an irrigation system for sprinkling and watering. At the work session, Council members agreed the availability of rest rooms would be a big plus for the city and its visitors. An informational statement to Council members from City Attorney Wes Chadwick noted the park is “still in the process of development, and the total revenues generated from…fees can only be estimated until the park is fully functioning.” During discussion at the work session, several council members noted the presence of the park’s restrooms was a big plus for the City as it works to attract more visitors. The city will be able to make use of the park facility for its functions at no charge.

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Port of Toledo Auditor Gives Clean Report

The Port of Toledo was given a clean bill of health for Fiscal Year 2011 by its independent auditor, Signe Grimsted. Grimsted delivered the audit report at the regular Port Commission meeting March 20. In remarks to the Commission, Grimsted noted the Port obviously “had a busy year,” noting the purchase of its Boatyard “significantly increased the Port’s assets and long term debt. This also significantly increased the Port’s operating revenues and expenses.” Her report notes that while the total Port assets increased by more than $4 million with the Boatyard purchase, only $1.2 million of that is being taken on as long term debt. At the end of the fiscal year, Port District assets exceeded liabilities by more than $4.3 million. Grimsted’s report also stated “nothing came to my attention that caused me to believe the Port of Toledo was not in substantial compliance with…laws, regulations, contracts and grants.” The Port’s audit was filed late with the State of Oregon, but there are no penalties attached.

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Early Head Start Application Urged

This item also available in Spanish.

The CSC Head Start program is urging families to make early applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Local Head Start Director Suzanne Miller said “Head Start has the largest waiting list we have ever had. We can serve 160 children and families and have 86 on our wait list.” Miller said if funding were available, “we could have another classroom in Newport or open one in South County.” However the Federal Government is not allocating monies for expansion. “We are watching the applications in Toledo particularly,” Miller said, “as we need to be sure to fill our class there in the fall of 2012. This means that we must have at least 35 applicants,” she said.

Head Start also said it is useful to make an application at any time during the year, because children move, are referred to other services, or whose families cannot meet the minimum requirements to remain enrolled at Head Start. Miller said Head Start will continue to accept applications for the current school year until sometime in April, but are already enrolling for the fall. “I cannot stress enough the importance of early application,” Miller said. “We will begin accepting children and families as early as the end of June and early July,” she added. Toledo residents can pick up applications at the local Head Start (845 NW ‘A’ Street), either at the front desk or just outside. Here is a link to the application form in English and en Español. Head Start is open to Lincoln County children ages three and four, based on family income eligibility, needs assessment and space availability. For more information call 541-336-5113.

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The Up Side of Snowfall in Siletz

Although Monday’s snowfall created days of discomfort for thousands of Lincoln County residents, some youth in Siletz found a way to have a little fun Tuesday.

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