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began to purchase all of their water from the County water <br />system, which happened in May, 1986. <br />Mr. Davenport felt that if the County agreed to pass through <br />the charges way back then, the residents in attendance tonight <br />are here on a futile mission. <br />Commissioner Lyons did not feel that was quite the case, and <br />Attorney Vitunac explained that we are here to make sure that the <br />numbers that GDU is presenting are accurate and true, and if the <br />residents have any evidence that they are not, the Board is ready <br />to hear that evidence. <br />Mr. Davenport felt that it is a double whammy, no matter <br />which way you look at it. He felt the County should do this <br />properly by going through a full blown rate increase hearing. <br />Director Pinto explained that after reviewing the testimony <br />given by GDU and staff, the Board will issue an order within 60 <br />days. The Board has the ability to accept it or not. <br />Chairman Scurlock felt that one of the problems we have had <br />in the past is that developers have adopted artificially low rate <br />structures for their utilities because in the early stages they <br />are trying to sell units and low utility bills is a good selling <br />point. Unfortunately, later on they get to a point where they <br />have to adopt an adequate rate structure to support the activity, <br />and then it is time to pay the piper. In his opinion, he felt <br />this is a prime example of where the rate structure was set so <br />low that there was no way in the world it could cover expenses, <br />let alone any rate of return. <br />Mr. Davenport again requested a postponement and asked for <br />the Commission's decision on the matter. <br />The Commissioners voted not to postpone tonight's public <br />hearing, their reasons being that the public hearing was properly <br />advertised and a fair number of residents are in attendance. <br />Commissioner Bird asked how long GDU has been eating the ? <br />$5.34 base facility charge, and Director Pinto advised that GDU <br />has been paying the $5.34 to the County since May, because they <br />13 <br />BOOK 5 PAG -L792 <br />