Editor: Houston, we’ve got a problem,” the Apollo 13 movie line says about the city government today. I’m starting to think they believe that all the tax-paying citizens of Lake Havasu City are wealthy and can afford to pay high prices for water and sewage services. Not true!
They are in talks to determine water and sewage rates for the next few years and have no doubt they will raise rates for everyone. I understand, but I think this approach needs to be revisited.
An example point is downtown Springburg Park, which plans to pay around $3 million to remake the park and change its look.
We understand that the $2 million is grants and funding from two different sources, but the remaining $900,000 will come from our General Fund.
Not only is the park unfriendly to the current venues that use it, but it doesn’t solve the bigger problem of access from the municipal parking lot just west of the park. I propose to take this money that has been made and move the city funds to the water and sewage department so that we do not have to raise rates for city residents living in retirement. Fixed budget (I’m one of them now).
When I ran door-to-door for City Council, I spoke with a number of residents on this boat with me.
I encourage you to let the mayor and current city council know your thoughts so they understand what you’re doing to your citizens before they kick you out of town.