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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 2011)
community Take Control of Your Water Bill By Nick Galaday I know how to reduce my electric bill to gain control of my monthly expenses; just use less electricity! I can buy CFL light bulbs, set my thermostat lower, or put a thermal wrap on my hot water tank. I also know how to use less water; buy low-flow toilets and appliances, take ‘Navy showers’, install drought resistant landscaping, etc. Unfortunately, here in Vernonia, conserving water doesn’t result in a lower water or sewer bill. We who live within the city limits have no way to reduce our water/sewer bill below $102. I’m heartened by the recent discussions taking place within our Public Works Department which include possible changes to our rate structure that might encourage conservation and finally give us ratepayers some control over our utility expenses. This comes in the nick of time as our water, and especially sewer costs, are going up significantly and soon! I would like to see my water/sewer bill reflect my actual water usage so I could save money by saving water. I can understand the need to have a portion of my bill be a fixed minimum base charge to cover certain fixed costs. However, I would like to see this fixed portion of our bills be kept as small as possible. Here’s what I suggest: The fixed portion of our water/sewer bills should be only enough to cover the monthly per/capita clerical costs of administering our individual account; e.g., meter reading and billing expenses. Beyond those fixed administrative costs, all other costs for the City’s operation of our water and sewer services should be charged for on a per gallon basis. Use more, pay more. Currently we’re charged for 2,000 gallons of water every month whether we use it or not. And our sewer bill is fixed, regardless of how much we impact the actual cost to the city for providing our individual sewer service. That’s not only frustrating in that we have no control over our bill, but it’s unjust. Those who use water responsibly and try to conserve, are subsidizing those wasteful souls who have no incentive but to excessively wash their cars, irrigate the street when they water their lawns, take endless showers, or not be bothered to fix a leaking pipe or faucet, or a toilet that runs on. So in the name of giving us ratepayers some control over our expenses, providing a more just rate structure, and encouraging conservation, I wish to november8 2011 implore the city to start charging for both water and sewer on the basis of consumption, gallons per month, starting with the first gallon, with only a very minimal fixed account maintenance fee. Pretty simple, pretty fair. If you agree, pass this on to your city council person of choice, or mail it to the Vernonia Public Works Department, 1001 Bridge Street,Vernonia, Oregon 97064. Your input can help influence the discussion. For ideas about how you can conserve water (and money) go to: http:// conserveh2o.org/ For more information about our Vernonia water system, or to schedule a tour of our plant, contact Jeff Burch at (503) 429-6921. Nicholas Galaday, is a former Resource Efficiency Manager at Microsoft World Campus, Redmond, WA. Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Lynn Berry Mackenzie Carr Gayle Rich-Boxman Nick Galaday Victoria Guerrero Wolfgang Rotbart Sonia Spackman Burt Tschache Photography Scott Laird Gayle Rich-Boxman Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Donations Needed to Help Fill Christmas Food Boxes Vernonia Cares Food Bank (VCFB) plans to offer Christmas holiday food boxes to low income households within the Vernonia community. Registration opened November 1 and the application deadline is December 8, 2010. The boxes will be disbursed December 20, as registered households pick them up from Vernonia Cares Food Bank. The holiday food box will contain the basic groceries for a Christmas meal. “Our target group is the households who fall within the USDA eligibility guidelines,” said Vernonia Cares Director Sandy Welch. “That is $1,679 gross income per month for single person households, plus $589 per month for each additional person in the household. However, anyone who is a Vernonia resident and does not have the groceries for a Christmas meal is eligible to apply for this special food box,” she concludes. Applications may be obtained from Vernonia Cares Food Bank, which is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM It is located in the American Legion Hall at 627 Adams Avenue. To obtain a form by phone, call VCFB at 503-429-1414, leaving clear mailing information. All applications must be received by Vernonia Cares by December 8. Only pre-registered households will be served. “At this point, we are planning to provide this service to 200 families and are praying the food and funds arrive to support it,” Welch emphasized. “We’ve had great support for the holiday food boxes from our community in the past and I’m looking to that same support again this year. I’m so glad we are able to brighten people’s Christmas through these groceries. What’s Christmas without, at the least, a Christmas meal together?” asks Welch “Between now and Thanksgiving is a great time to buy a turkey and donate it towards the Christmas Box Project. That’s when the sale prices are available,” says Vernonia Cares President Rosie McCoy. “All turkeys will be stored frozen and then distributed near Christmas.” Vernonia Sentry, a strong supporter of VCFB, makes it simple to donate. Through their check-stand giving, patrons can designate $30 which will be used to buy the groceries and a turkey. Check-stand giving begins on November 13, 2011. 3 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting this worthwhile cause, whether through food or funds, may contribute directly on Tuesday or Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at VCFB. Checks may also be mailed to Vernonia Cares Food Bank, PO Box 126, Vernonia, OR 97064. Receipts for your tax deductible donation will be sent upon request. Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 www.VernoniasVoice.com Join us to help Margaret “Peggy” Cone celebrate her 90th Birthday! Saturday, November 12th 1-4 PM at Mariolino’s 721 Madison Ave. Snacks, soft drinks and cake will be served by the family. Please, no gifts. Come share a hug, a story or a photo. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 Lady’s Night Wed 5-12 “STILL BIKER FRIENDLY” LIVE MUSIC Sat, 11/12 Sat, 11/19 Sat, 11/26 Sat, 11/19 “Richard Arnold & the Groove Swingers” Motown “Michele Drey & Branded Band” Country/Rock “Step Child” Classic Rock “Lock Stock & Barrel” Outlaw Country $3/$5 cover Monday 10am-6pm Cafe Closed • Tue-Wed 10am-6pm, Cafe 10am-5pm Thr-Fri 10am-7pm, Cafe 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-11pm, Cafe 10am-10pm Sunday 10am-2pm, Cafe 10am-2pm (or call) 11139 Highway 202 (503) 755-2722 • Specialty hamburgers • Draft beer & mixed drinks • Pool tables & satelite TV • Special live music events • Free Wi-fi Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia Friday, Nov. 11th Karaoke Saturday, Nov. 19th Random Access Friday, Dec. 2nd Country Backroads Gift certificates available Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999
