20091102Comments.pdf

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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
mnvandersoncæyahoo.com
Monday, November 02,20093:52 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Matt Anderson follows:
Case Number: bcs-w-Ø9-Ø2
Name: Matt Anderson
Address: 17681 N Wrangler Rd.
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: 2Ø8-964-4329
Contact E-Mail: mnvanderson~yahoo.com
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
NO) Please do not raise our rates. I was out of work since February and recently became
employeed. We are trying to catch up) and with the winter coming it is difficult enough to
think we may not be able to afford the utility costs we currently have. My wife lost her
wages in May and has not found a job as of yet. We cannot afford to have our rates go up
now) especially now.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc . html
IP address is 76.178.189.226
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jpb4jc(?gmail.com
Monday, November 02, 2009 3: 11 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Jack Beukelman follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Jack Beukelman
Address: 18948 N. Ramsey Rd
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: jpb4jc~mail.com ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
One of the reasons we bought our house in the location we did is due to the cost of water in
the development. I really do not like not having my own well but considering the water
costs) we decided to buy the property and go with the community well. Unfortunately I was
out of town for the public meeting yet I want to state that a more than doubling of the water
rate is totally unacceptable in a time that everything else is increasing also. At least the
other costs are only going up gradually) but this requested rate increase is like getting hit
over the head with a lead pipe. Since we have bought our home) our business has taken a 50%
hit in income and our investments have tanked by 30%. For the entire year we have been
operating our business at 30% below our operating expenses and have had to supplement out of
other equities just to stay afloat. Our taxes) groceries) electric and even fuel have been
on an upward creep all year despite the economic downturn for our personal income.
We have 5 acres and a very sizable lawn of about 1 acre with a family of 6. During the month
of July we used 62) Ø00 gallons of water. Between May and October) total water usage was
289) 333 gallons and for the entire year it was 319) 330. In winter) average usage is around
5000 gallons a month) well below our allotment. Next year we plan on establishing a family
garden which will require even more water. I understand the nature of times of high demand so
I have set my irrigation scheme to very early in the morning so as not to bring heavy demand
on the water system during hot afternoons.
One of the things that is of concern to me is the new development to the north which Bar
Circle S will service for water. I want to stress that those extra costs should be for the
new development and new future land owners and not us who are already established in the
older development.
If a doubling of the water fee is to see the light of day) then I want the right (as in a
change in the CC&Rs) to establish my own well.
In closing) I can understand a 5-15% rate increase) but an increase of more than 100% is out
of the question and unreasonable.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.71.101- --- ----- --- - -- - -- --- - ---- ----- - -- --
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~, JlL/1,/O '1~Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
SUbject:
jackcæonsitex.com
Monday, November 02,20093:06 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from jack borley follows:
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Case Number: bcs-w-09-02
Name: jack borley
Address: 16480 spur st
City: rathdrum
State: id
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: jac~onsitex.com
Name of Utility Company: bar circle s water Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
TO WHOM IT MY CONCERN. AFTER READING ALL DOCUMENTATION. JACK & FARAH BORLEY CONCURE WITH THE
STAFFS FINDINGS ON THIS CASE! WE RESIDE IN BAR CIRLCE S SUBDIVISION. WE LIVE ON FIVE ACRES.
THIS TYPE OF INCREASE THAT THE WATER COMPANY IS SEEKING IS WITHOUT MERRIT AND CAN NOT BE
SUBSTANCIATED IN THESE DOCUMENTS. THESE INCREASES WOULD PUT A UNDO HARDSHIP ON THIS FAMILY
AND OTHERS IN THIS COMMUNITY. ONCE AGIAN WE CONCURE WITH THE STAFFS FINDINGS. JACK & FARAH
BORLEY
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 75.216.80.61
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
dgradin(?roadrunner.com
Monday, November 02, 2009 2:09 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from David Gradin follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: David Gradin
Address: 19043 NElla Rd
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: dgradin~roadrunner.com
Name of Utility Compa~Bar Circle SAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I have been out of town and missed the public meeting on Bar Circle SiS rate increase. I do
remember getting the notice from them about the rate increase. At the timeJ I thought the
numbers were in error since the rates were more than doubling. The bottomline is that more
than double the current water rates is excessive and should not be approved.
Thank you
David Gradin
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc. html
IP address is 136.162.46.0
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
mddataylor(?roadrunner.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:59 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Desiree Taylor follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Desiree Taylor
Address: 18195 N Circle S Trail
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: mddataylo~roadrunner. com Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle · S i Water Addto Mailing List ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I live in the Bar circle s water district and I strongly oppose the proposed rate increase.
We are a family of four with a reasonale sized yard and some gardens. We also have two
horses. The land is heavily timbered. In the seventeen years that we have lived here we have
always gone over the base monthly allotment of water that includes 7500 gallons. That is just
not enough to simply cover the household water let alone water for the yard to keep a safe
zone for fire danger with all the natural trees in the landscape.
As you know the economy has gone down the tube. Our personal income has decreased by 500/0
over the past year. To think that a company would ask for such an unbelievablely high rate
increase is unreal. It must be stopped.
A reasonable alternative would be to increase the base monthly rate by 200/0 from $15.00 to
$18.00 per month also increaseing the amount of gallon usage per month to 50J000. Increase
the water used in excess of 50 J 000 15.50/0 from the current $0.95 to $1.10.
I thank you for your time and hope that a reasonable solution is reached in this matter.
Mitch and Desiree Taylor
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.79.180
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
davewolfe44cæyahoo.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:00 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from David F Wolfe follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-2
Name: David F Wolfe
Address: 1244 W Longhorn St
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: davewolfe4~yahoo.com ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle i S i Water Company Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
Dear Commissioners:
I receive my water from the Bar Circle US" Water Company (Company) and am not looking forward
to the significant increase in rates that the Staff is recommending to the Commission in the
subject case.
After reading the Staff Report dated October 23 J 2009 in detail I wish to ask the commission
to consider two issues which I believe are inequitable to the customers of the Company.
FirstJ on Attachment 1 of the Staff Report the Net Operating Income Requirement recommended
by the staff is calculated by allowing the Company a 12% rate of return on its investment. I
am not disputing that the 12% rate of return is reasonable.
However the $67 J 225 of revenue upon which the calculation is based is "Revenue Collected in
Test Year" (Attachment 9 of the Staff Report). This revenue appears to be based upon the
current revenue from a customer base of 160. (See Attachment 8)
On page 13 of the Staff ReportJ the first paragraph reveals that "there 28 vacant undeveloped
properties wi thin the service area... All these lots have a mainline service tap J service
line to the property J meter boxJ meter base and 5-ft stub out line on the customer side of
the meter box. J,
The staff' s recommendation for a proposed rate increase does not take into account the
probable future income from these 28 properties where the infrastructure is in place for
service hook ups. While the incremental expense necessary to provide these 28 properties with
service should be minimal, the incremental revenue to be anticipated is quite significant and
I suggest should be considered in the calculation of the Net Operating Income Requirement
(Attachment 1).
Assuming that the $67 J 225 of revenue in the test year is derived from 160 customers J the
revenue per customer is therefore $420 per year. Applying the $420 per customer to the 28
properties which will be future customers of the Company J results in increased revenues of
$llJ 760 per year for total annual revenues of $78J 985.
i
If the anticipated incremental revenue of $11, 760 is added to the $24J947 Net Operating
Income Requirement (Attachment 1) J and applied to the $207 J8901 Rate Base recommended by the
staffJ the resulting Rate of Return allowed the Company is 17.65%.
page 2.
I believe that the 17.65% rate of return is excessive and request that the Commission
consider how a compromise can be reached that would be equitable to both the customers and
the Company.
I am aware that my calculations anticipate future revenuesJ but judging from the growth rate
of the Company' s service area J the timing of these additional revenues from the 28 properties
can be anticipated in months rather than years.
In its notice to customers of its application for a rate increaseJ the Company states that
this is its first request for a rate increase in 19 years. Assuming that it remains the
practice of the Company to infrequently request rate increasesJ the rate increase of 73.08%
recommended by the staff could prove to be excessively lucrative to the Company as service is
provided to the 28 additional properties.
The second observation which I wish to bring to the attention of the Commissioners is the
application of the Depreciation Schedule (Attachment 4) as applied to the expenses of the
Company. The staff has recommended that depreciation expense of $15 J 989 be used in the Income
Statement (Attachment 3) for the calculation of Net Operating Income.
I note that two Assets on the Depreciation ScheduleJ totaling $2J 609, will be fully
depreciated in one year and another two AssetsJ totaling $lJ525J will be fully depreciated
in three years J specifically:
Assets with one year of depreciation remaining:
Well Site Improvements 1/9/1995 $ 452Water Line 9/1/2002 $ 2J 157Subtotal $ 2J609
Assets with three years of depreciation remaining:
Well Pump Improvements
Well Site Improvements
Subtotal
8/8/1996
8/15/2004
$ 739
$ 786
$lJ 525
Total $4J134
Therefore a full 25% of depreciation expense used in the staff i s calculation of Total
Operating Expenses (Attachment 3) will be fully depreciated within three years. However J if
it remains the Company's practice to infrequently apply to the Commission for rate increasesJ
its customers will continue to pay for the aforementioned assets long after the Company has
recovered the costs of the assets.
I believe that rates for the Company and its customers can only remain equitable if the
Commission periodically audits the Company' s rate schedule and adjusts the rates accordingly.
Thank you for considering my concerns regarding the application for rate increase which the
Bar Circle US" Water Company has filed under Case No. BCS-W-09-2.
2
SincerelYJ
David F. Wolfe
The form submitted on http://www. puc. idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.95.118
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
nwzito~icehouse. net
Sunday, November 01, 2009 1 :00 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Martha Zi to follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Martha Zito
Address: 18414 N Circle S Trail
City: ¡,Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: nwzit~icehouse.net
Name of Utility comp~ar Circle
Add to Mailing List: es
I S i Water Co. Inc.
Please describe your comment briefly:
Please do not allow our water rates to increase by 119%
We as a family are having financial hardships as my husband has been laid off work. We simply
can not afford this type of increase for our
5 acre home-site.
A smaller increase of 10-20% is more realistic.
Thank you for your time.
Martha Zito
The form submitted on http://ww.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 98.145.69.180----- ---- ---- -------- - - - --- - - -- - - - --
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
nwzito~icehouse. net
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:26 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Nick Zi to follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Nick Zito
Address: 18414 N. Circle S Trail
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: nwzit~icehouse.net
Name of Utili ty Compa~ Bar CircleAdd to Mailing List: ~'S' Water Co. Inc.
Please describe your comment briefly:
Please do not allow our water rates to be increased by over 100%.
An increase of 10-20% over the next couple years is more reasonable and affordable.
This requested increase would create a huge financial hardship on us J as we have to care for
livestock and have acreage which requires watering.
I lost my job last month due to the bad economy J and we are currently living on unemployment
insurance only.
This increase would really hurt us.
Thank youJ
Nick Zito
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuCl/ipuc . html
IP address is 98.145.69.180
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
gajohnson(?prodigy. net
Sunday, November 01, 2009 11 :50 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Garry Johnson follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Garry Johnson
Address: 16825 N Circle S Trl
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: gajohnson~prodigy.net
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle r S' Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I do not oppose a moderate increaseJ we have lived within Bar Circle S since 1992J and rates
have not increased in that time. We are a family of two and typically do not exceed the base
allotment when not irrigating. During the irrigation season we regularly have $200.00 water
bills. Based on recent summer time water bills J we are using approximately 195 J 000 gallons
over the base allotment of 7 J 500 gallons to maintain a yard of about .75 acres. Under
proposed increase our water bill would more than double to approximately $450.00 including
the $33.00 base charge. This rate would become a burdenJ especially during these very
difficult economic times. The appearance of the neighborhood and property values will likely
decrease because proposed rates would make maintaining a healthy yard prohibitive.
As I statedJ I am not opposed to a moderate rate increaseJ but any increase should also allow
for a larger allotment during the irrigation seasonJ such as lS0J000 gallons per month per
acre.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 76.178.186.44--- - - -- -- - --- -- -- ---- - - -- - - - - - - - - - --
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JeanJeWelr
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rlmorey(?arth link. net
Sunday, November 01, 2009 11: 1 0 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
, A Comment from Lauie Morey follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Lauie Morey
Address: 16477 N Spur St
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: rlmore~arthlink.net ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I am opposed to the rate increase that Bar Circle S Water Company is applying for. I think
it too much of an increase. Somewhere around the 20% mark would be more reasonable. I also
think that new homes that connect to the water system should pay inreased hook up fees. Why
should existing customers pay to upgrade production for new development?
I am on five acres with one acre of lawn. This lawn needs to be watered to provide a
firebreak for the woods surrounding my house. This is a wooded housing development with many
residents who have horses on their five acres. My average summer usage is 40,000 gallons per
month during the summer months. My family of four uses about 10 J 000 gallons per month when
not irrigating. I think the rate increase would cost too much.
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 98.145.83.201
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
moranj4 7 (?roadrunner.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 9:02 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from John Moran follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: John Moran
Address: 17434 N Circle S Trail
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: moranj47~roadrunner.com ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
1. The rate increase proposed is way out of line. The Water company should have been doing
realistic increases several years ago. It appears do to poor management and other
circumstances they want to hit the users with fees that are not in line with inflationJ etc.
2. Water quality reports need to be scrutinized by heath department and state water agencys.
3. I would be very glad to a 20% increase in base feeJ immediately and a 15% to 16% increase
in excess water useage above 50 J 000 gals. per month.
4. Fee not to increase for 2 years and then a 20% cap. for 5 years.
The form submitted on http://www. puc. idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.87.172- ------- --- -- ----- - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - ---
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
danodevelopment~hotmail.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 8:29 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Dan ODell follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Dan ODell
Address: 18310 Circle S Trail
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: danodevelo ment otmail.com Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water
Company Add to Mailing List: eS
Please describe your comment briefly:
I AM TOTALLY OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED RATE HIKE ASKED BY BAR CIRCLE S WATER COMPANY.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.93.173
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
sueodeIL(?hotmail.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 8:24 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Susan ODell follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Susan ODell
Address: 18310 Circle S Trail
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: sueodell~hotmail.com ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Cicle S Water Co Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I am opposed to the requested rate hike for Bar Circle S Water customers. In these economic
timesJ we have been struggling to keep all the bills paid as it is. We have done our best to
conserve all the water we can. We have a large parcel of land to maintain. Considering
this J if the rates were to increase and we didn i t maintain the yards and gardens in the
neighborhoodJ it scares me to see what this sought after area would turn into. It is my
understanding that this increase is J in partJ to fund Mr. Turnipseed i s new development. How
is that fair to me? Seems like that should be solely his responsibility.
That being saidJ I understand that rate increases are to be expected from time to time.
However J double and 119% increases are totally ludicrous!
Please do NOT let this increase take affect! Thanks
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.93.173-- - - - - - -- -- -- -- - - --- - ---- - ---- - - ----
1
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jack(?gargoyle-granite.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 8: 15 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Jack Jenkins follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Jack Jenkins
Address: 19090 N. Ella Road
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: jaC~~yie-granite.com Name of Utility Company:
Add to Mailing List: es
Bar Circle S Water Company
Please describe your comment briefly:
Bar Circle S development is a five acre development. Most homes have large yardsJ and many
have shopsJ barnsJ and livestock. Bar Circle S Water Company is entitiled to a reasonable
rate increase. 15-20 % seems appropriate and fairJ even with reserves for long term
maintenance. Over 100% increase seems unreasonableJ unfairJ and has repercussions beyond the
financial hardships placed on a i capti ve' and i unsuspecting i consumer. Fire saftey and
resale issues (if water fees are exorbitant) are additional concerns beyond the direct
economic impact to the consumer.
You may be aware that Mr. Turnipseed is developing additional property to the north of Bar
Circle S. He intends to use this existing system to provide water there. This proposed rate
increase for Bar Circle SJ which is well above any utility industry standardJ is
transparently offsetting costs for the new development. The rate increase does NOT reflect
the cost of maintaining the water system for the properties for which is it was designed.
And if this existing system is used for the new developmentJ will that change
availability/water pressure for the current users? We already do experience some water
pressure issues during peak usage.
Mr. Turnipseeds i son reads the meters for Bar Circle S Water Company. i feel it should be
monitored by an independent agent. How can the homeowner verify the accuracy of his
readings?
The proposed increase is unreasonableJ unfair J and will place significant financial hardships
on the families living here. Please contact me if you have any questionsJ or it further
information would be helpful. Thank you for your consideration.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 76.178.187.133-- - -- - --- ---- - - - ----- - ---- -- --- - - - --
1
I~~ii-I°'l~Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
lakecabin(?icehouse. net
Sunday, November 01,20095:52 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Doug & Ranel Burnett follows:
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Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Doug & Ranel Burnett
Address: 1120 Longhorn Street
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: lakecabin~icehouse.net ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
An increase to our water ratesJ at this timeJ would be a real HARDSHIP to my family. We have
already experienced significant increases in other personal expenses such as taxesJ
education, health careJ insuranceJ food, gasoline,ect. This is on top of the DECREASE we have
experienced in our take home pay due to the poor economy. We live on 5 acres in Bar Circle S
and water our lawn at night due to the low water pressure we already experience during the
daytime hours. I think it is inappropriate that the proposed water rate increase would
support a new housing development's water system. This expense should be paid by the new
owners hook up fee iS. I think that currrent homeowners in Bar Circle S should be allowed
the opportunity to drill our own wells so that we have control of our own personal
utilization. I dont disagree that the water company should have some REASONABLE increase
but the proposed increase is UNREASONABLE and would be a real HARDSHIP... Thank you.
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 216.229.180.6
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1
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Jean Jewell
v~ A.v./J;~'
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
idbaldwins(?yahoo.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:46 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Ted & Cheryl Baldwin follows:
-- - ---- --- - -- --- - -- - - --- - - --- - - -- ---
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Ted & Cheryl Baldwin
Address: 16834 N. Ramsey Rd
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: idbaldwins~yahoo.com ~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle'S' Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
After reading the staff report on this case. I did not attend the public hearing in
Rathdrum on 10-29-09. As I thought thier report would carry a lot of weight with the
commission. It sounds like the commission would still like comments from residents. I do
not have a problem with reasonable increases. The requested 119% increase is unreasonable.
The staff found many discrepencies in the original request. Including trying to add in the
cost of expanding the water system to a new development. This should show the utili ties
commission that there are problems with the request for an increasein rates. I would not be
against an increase of 50%J as there is an increase in cost of doing business. Along with
the increase I would like to see an increase in the alloted amount of water J before paying
overages. 7500 gal. is too low of an amount. I would find 10,000 gal. to be more realistic
useage. And we need to keep the system in good operating conditions. But I am strongly
opposed to the rate of the requested increase. Please use the staffs report as a basis for a
rate increase based on facts and not on helping a developer put extra profits in his pocket.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.77.62---- ----- --- - - - - ----- - - --- - - - -- - - - --
1
1~1AOq
Jean Jewell
/10 ¡4v -.PJ ~.Y t J1
t
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
kellyyurek(?yahoo. com
Sunday, November 01, 2009 1 :27 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Kelly Yurek follows:
- -- - - --- - -- - - - - --- - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Kelly Yurek
Address: 1772 W Dolan Rd
City: rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: kellyyure~ahoo.com
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List ~
Please describe your comment brtefly:
I feel that raising our water rates at 119% + increase is unreasonable. This will create a
hardship for my family. I do not feel that we as the homeowners should have to pay for Bob
Turnipseeds new housing developments' water system. Over the summer months our water usage
is as low as 73J000 gallons and as high as 160J000 gallons per month, we have approximately
2 acres of lawn in un upscale neighborhood. I would agree to a reasonable alternative water
rate increaseJ such as 20% increase for the 1st 50J000 gallons, 15.5% increase in excess
usage of 50,000 gallons, increase hook up fees in the new delvelopment. With all of the
increases we have had with fuelJ taxes J utilities J groceries etc. J we cannot afford Bob
Turnupseed to OVER CHARGE for water. We also would like to have the right to install our own
well and provide the water we need for our own usage.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 76.178.190.17--- - -- - -- ---- -- ------ -- -- - -- --- - -- --
1
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Jean Jewell
110 IMI ýrf ~.
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
alymar93(?hotmail.com
Saturday, October 31, 2009 1 :42 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Mary Gunderson follows:
-- - - - - -- - ---- -- - - ---- - ---- -- -- - - -- --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Mary Gunderson
Address: 1383 West Garwood Road
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: alymar93~hotmail.com ~
Name of Utility Company: 160 Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
The water rates are going to jump dramatically. We have 5 acres and a 1 acre in in lawn
around the home to maintain from fire danger and 3.5 acres is livestock pasture and .5acres
garden .We pay a great deal for water to keep the place nice and safe for our area.
We feel that it not fair to pay for another one of Bob Turnipseeds new housing
developmentsJwater system. That cost should be the new owners hook up feesJ like we had to
pay with this 5 acres development If this happen I feel then that CC&R' s should be changed
with respect to installing our own well for our livestöck and sprinler for fire danger.
Garwood Elementary is the only commercial user of the water system. Their rates will jump
dramatically-a district already straining the budget. Thank you for you time.
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 70.193.69.29------ --- --- - - ------- - - -- - - - - -- - - - --
1
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
tom. hunsinger(?yahoo.com
Saturday, October 31, 2009 11 :39 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Tom Hunsinger follows:
---- - - -- - ---- -- ------ - - --- - - -- - - -- --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Tom Hunsinger
Address: 17109 Circls S Trail
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: tom.hunsinger~yahoo.com ~'\
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
Case BCS-W-09-2
First of all I would like to say that if it were not for my neighbor e-mailing me
regarding this rate case information, I would have known nothing about it. I don't
understand how I could have been left off of the mailings list. Because I assure you that I
receive my water bills each and every month without fail. It might be interesting to poll
the customers and see how many others may not have received notice. It is difficult to
understand the exorbitant amount of the proposed rate increase and it really defies logic.
It would seemJ a company with an income of $67K and expenses of $73KJ would need an increase
of approx 10% to reach a break even point.
Now I know there are other factors involved and I applaud your staff for what appears to
be a fairly comprehensive study of the company books and physical plant. Without this study
it would be impossible for a customer of the district to make an informed determination if
the increase is justified. I particularly commend them for pointing out the company's
"Professional FeesJJ Expense (Attachment 3) which borders on embezzlement if Mr. Turnupseed
or any of his family have interest in "Double T Estates SubdivisionJJ
I am going to get completely out of my comfort zone and ask you to examine some figures
that I donJt understand and their relationship to the staff recommended increase of 67%.
#1 Net operating income requirement.
I suspect this is an amount that a utility might save for a rainy day or use in day to day
expenses not necessarily budgeted for. The thing I donJt understand is staff is recommending
12% rate of return on the companyJ s adjusted rate base. (See staff report page 9). The staff
is getting recent commission findings of other utili ties receiving this level of return. I
would challenge the commission to find this level of return on the open market today. I find
it absurdJ that the companyJ s rate payers J whoJ s own income and savings donot support this
level of interestJ should then be expected to contribute to their service provider this level
of interest. I would expect something more in the neighborhood of 6%.
As for the rate increaseJ it appears that your staff is being quite generous with their
recommendation and I would submit for your review a more fair and equitable rate increase of
51% .
Please using (Attachment 3) In total column multiply $65 J 122 x 51% = 33 J 212 Add this to
gross revenue of 67 J255 = 100J467 Multiply total State + Fed Tax by 51% = 984 Add this to
Total Operating Expense 83 J 087 + 984 = 84071 Subtract T. O. E. from Gross Revenue 100 J 467 -
84,071 = 16J396 Net Operating Income = $16,396
1
51% Increase = a more reasonable return of equity J a little more that 6%. 6% equaling
$15J979
As for expenses incurred for rate increase filing and approx $6J000 loss after adjustments
for 2009. I think the company should accept this level of increased profitJ and be sensitive
to itJs customers financial situations and move on.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.66.177-- - - --- -- - ------- ---- --- - - ---- - - ----
2
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Jean Jewell
vf; A,V '/f, ~.~ ¡.,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Phongslo(?aol.com
Saturday, October 31, 2009 8:54 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Patrick Hongslo follows:
- - -------- - -------- - - --- - --- - - ------
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Patrick Hongslo
Address: 18870 N Ella Road
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: Phongsl~aol.com
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
We are on fixed income. This outrageous increase along with other increases in Medical
insurance etc. make it a hardship monthly to pay all bills and expenses!
We are in a development of five acres parcels and yesJ we chose to have a big yardJ but did
not anticipate the water expense going up dramatically!!
Summer we really have to watch our expenses as it so costly about $250.00 a month to water
our lawn!
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 76.178.189.160
- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1
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Jean Jewell
vf, 11.(ý~~.~ If
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
dc_intolu bbe(?yahoo. com
Saturday, October 31, 2009 7:33 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Lynn W. Intolubbe follows:
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Lynn W. Intolubbe
Address: N. 17926 Wrangler Road
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: dCintolubbe~yahoo.com
Name of utili ty comp~ Bar Circle . S ·Add to Mailing List ~Water Co.
Please describe your comment briefly:
Bar Circle · S' Estates is a community of approx. 5 acre homesi tes. My home has approx. 1 - 1
1/2 acres of lawn that must be irrigated. I am now on a fixed income since my husband passed
away in 2008. The house has 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths with my son and I living here. Water
usage for July/Aug 2008 was 5564270. Water usage increased in the summer of 2009 to 6002440
as the new lawn care company said the lawn wasn i t receiving enough water for it to survive.
Watering is done in the early dawn hours.
My son and I do not have any large animals but my neighbors on my road have a total of 11
horses. We have a small dog.
I do not think Bar Circle i S i Water Co. should have to pay for new development' s water
system. The cost should be the new owners responsibility.
There should be a reasonable rate increase. The base monthly rate should be increased 20%
from $15.00 to $18.00 per month for the first 50,000 gallons. Increase water used in excess
of 50,000 gallons 15.5% from the current $0.95 to $1.10. Hook up fees in the new development
should go to $2J500.00.
SincerelYJ
Lynn W. Intolubbe
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc . html
IP address is 207.170.238.214
1
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Jean Jewei1
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jim.ochenkoski~roadrunner.com
Friday, October 30, 2009 4:32 PM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Jim Ochenkoski follows:
- ------- --- -- - ---- - - - - - - --- - - - -- - - --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Jim Ochenkoski
Address: PO Box 1164
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: °im.ochenkoski roadrunner.com Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle'S' Water
Add to Mailing List: es
Please describe your comment briefly:
I have reviewed the Staff report dated 10/23/09 related to Case No. BCS-W-09-02 and I support
their recommendations. As one of the customers served by the Bar Circle'S' Water Company J I
am not excited about increased ratesJ but I understand the Company's need to operate
profitably.
My personal experiences with the Company have always been positive. They have been
responsive to two emergent requests in regard to my water service in the 14 years that I have
been their customer and I found them to be friendly and efficient. They seem to have kept
their overhead expenses to a minimum and our rates low for a long time.
Kudos to the Staff for a comprehensive report. I appreciate the effort expended in auditing,
interviewingJ and evaluating the Company in order to make a determination of fair and
reasonable expenses. I feel like my interests were well served by their attention to every
detail. Thank you.
And thank you to the Commissioners for continued work in a challenging and often thankless
job. Whatever your final decision may be on this issueJ stop by my house the next time
you' re in town and I' II buy you a glass of water!
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 98.145.92.235- - --------- -------- - - --- - ---- - --- ---
1
I~~oq
Jean Jewell
If; Ai ~10~
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bahunsinger(?yahoo.com
Friday, October 30, 2009 11 :07 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Bobbie Hunsinger follows:
--- - - - ---- -- - -- ------ - - --- - - - - - - -- --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-01
Name: Bobbie Hunsinger
Address: 17109 Circle S Trail
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: bahunsinger~ahoo.com ~~
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
I do not think this rate increase is needed. We were told when they expanded the area and
number of customers it (the water company) servedJ that there was no need to raise rates. The
idea that they want to borrow money so they can put an individual out of work is just not
smart. Our rates are very normalJ and an increaseJ in my opinion will be a hardship. Please
do not allow this rate increase to happen.
The form submitted on http://www . puc .idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.66.177------------ - - ------- - ---- - - -- - - - - --
1
~iI~ JI¡ilo1~
Jean Jewell
,/~ A.V /r;~.è H,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
snm277 (?roadrunner.com
Friday, October 30, 2009 9:55 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Lorraine Schmidt follows:
- - --------- -- ----- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-2
Name: Lorraine Schmidt
Address: 18812 N. Ramsey Rd
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: snm277~roadrunner.com ~ \
Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company J Inc Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your comment briefly:
. Item 2. Pumping power expense' Staff Report dated 10/23/09 (pg 7) states power costs are at
the 2008 rate. HoweverJ we all received notice with our October billing for electricity that
rates are decreasing effective Nov. 01J 2009 for both residencial and business. The business
rate by an average of 20.1 percent. This should be taken into consideration.
AlsoJ Bar Circle S uses its affiliate Avondale Construction for constuction and maintenance
isn' t this a conflict of interest? Shouldn't they get bids from at least three companies and
use the best bid.
Attachment 7 'Water Usage Per Customer, Gallons per Month for the years 2007 and 2008 during
the months of May & June seems very strange because we had deepJdeep snow on the ground all
through May up and to mid June. Are the figures in the illustration correct?
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 98.145.87.6- ---------- -- ------ - -- - - --- - - --- - - --
1
1~'1
Jean Jewell
i/r; Ai.I'~~.
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
dlandberg(?roadrunner.com
Friday, October 30,20099:09 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Dennis Landberg follows:
- - -------- - -- ----- - - - -- - - --- - - -- - ---
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Dennis Landberg
Address: 1171 W. Dolan Road
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858-8237
Daytime Telephone: 208/687 - 5173
Contact E-Mail: dlandber~roadrunner.com Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Add toMailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
A request for a 119% increase in water usage fees by any service company J at any timeJ is a
direct result of mismanagement. BCS should have anticipated their future operating expenses
before it became a crises. Present BCS expenses and cash reserve requirements could be
maintained at an increase of only 20% over present rates and/or implementing new management.
We have been customers of BCS since 1996.During the summer months of July and August our past
irrigation costs exceeded $300 per month for lawns and shrubs .We have removed a substantial
area of landscaping in order to reduce these costs .Our only recourse to avoid increased water
bills is to remove/replace the remaining lawns and shrubs with bark or rock. Then BCS would
need to increase water rates even more because their customers have drastically reduced
consumption.
The form submitted on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 66.27.180.162--- - --- -- ---- -------- ---- ---- - --- ---
1
,rrft1u1
Jean Jewell
~r; ¡fl.vj;~'
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
marvin(?mvpestimating.com
Friday, October 30, 2009 7:07 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Marvin Pridemore follows:
Case Number: BCS-W-09-0i
Name: Marvin Pridemore
Address: 544 W. Dolan Rd.
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Zip: 83858-7900
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: marvin mv
Add to Mailing List: yes
.com Name of utility Company: Bar Circle S Water Company
Please describe your comment briefly:
NOJ Please don't raise our RATES. On fixed incomeJ without cost of living raise it is
difficult to make ends meet. A 119% increase in our water bill is out of the question.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov Iforms/ipucl/ipuc. html
IP address is 98.145.84.135
1
/4;-401
Jean Jewell
~ AJI.vf;~'
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ttaggart(?lakeland272.org
Friday, October 30, 2009 5:27 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Tom Taggart follows:
- ---------- -- - ----- -- - - ---- - - -- - - - --
Case Number: BCS-W-09-02
Name: Tom Taggart
Address: PO Box 39
Ci ty: Rathdrum
State: ID
Zip: 83858
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Conta~Mail: ttaggart~lakeland272.org Name of Utility Company: Bar Circle S Add to MailingList:c!
Please describe your comment briefly:
We operate Garwood Elementary which is served by Bar Circle S for water. We also operate
five elementary schools throughout northern Kootenai County. The current charges at Garwood
are amoung the highest we pay. Any increase in water charges will require us to cut something
else in a budget that has already been cut. We would prefer to spend our taxpayers money on
the education of our students. The amount of the increase is huge and seems to be way out of
line. We are opposed to the proposed rate increase.
The fOrm submitted on http://www . puc. idaho. gov /forms/ipuc1/ipuc . html
IP address is 207.170.238.254- ------- --- -- ----- - - - -- - --- -- --- - ---
1