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price went up. He further explained that what Customer Service has is a sewer plant and that is all they own; the lines technically are owned by the County. Mr. Robinson advised that the only reason they haven't come in for a rate increase is because they have been in the process of working this arrangement out with the county, and he could guarantee that if a rate analysis were done, the rates would be higher. He believed everyone is better off having the county develop the larger system. Mr. Shea felt that every time a government entity takes over something, the price goes up, and he repeated his belief that the County cannot be doing an efficient job if they have to raise the rates. Commissioner Bird explained how it was the custom for these small utility systems to be subsidized by the developers while they were still trying to sell lots, but pointed out that those who did come in for a full blown rate analysis, did have their rates increased. He further noted that the County has not raised our rates in 5 years. Even though our customer base has grown tremendously, we have been able to handle it. Mr. Shea stressed that his rates will be increased 70%, and there is no way that can be justified. Director Pinto pointed out that if the developer was making a lot of money from the system, he would not want us to take it over. He again brought up the environmental benefits of getting rid of the small systems, noting that the DER has officially commended us for our efforts in working towards a regional system. He further pointed out the various other small systems in the county that have failed and the county has had to take them over at great expense and charge an impact fee to bring them onto the system. Mr. Shea contended that their system has been working fine and that government does nothing but raise rates unnecessarily and make dire predictions. 35 '1f 7`7 U 1989 LRo0K l �.�;�. J