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Ms. Bridwell wished to know how often this rate is <br />going to increase. <br />Chairman Scurlock noted the recommendation is that we <br />look at the rate structure and analyze it annually to <br />determine if revenues are sufficient to meet expenses. He <br />believed with the proposed rate increase, there will be a <br />stabilizing effect with the new development that is coming <br />on line, but emphasized that he cannot do more than guess. <br />Whatever it costs to produce the water must be generated by <br />the customers. <br />Ms. Bridwell continued that she works for families on <br />the beach, whose water bills are very low even though they <br />use a tremendous amount of water to water their lawns. <br />Chairman Scurlock stated that, from his experience with <br />a sprinkler system firm, he knew that some people on the <br />beach pay very large irrigation bills. <br />Ms. Bridwell was not convinced and believed there are <br />a lot of things that should have been taken care of before <br />they got in this situation. She felt someone or some <br />department fell down on the job. <br />Chairman Scurlock pointed out that there was no utility <br />department until two years ago. We were not in a position <br />to address these things back then, and the public did not <br />want a County system at that time. He stressed that you <br />cannot compare City rates with County rates. They built <br />their plants 15 years ago and are working on 1958 capital. <br />If you bought a 1958 Chevy or a 1984 Chevy, there would be a <br />great price differential, and the same holds true for <br />utility systems.. <br />Ms. Bridwell stated that she cannot even afford to <br />water her lawn and wished to know how much more it will cost <br />her when the County digs up the easements and puts in the <br />new lines. <br />17 <br />BOOK S6 PACE 632 <br />