getting enough support to get it on the Richardson plan sheet to pursue (again) and the NTMWD's nag sheet. That went away (I really am sad the water guys had so so so much time to run as the Richardson Coalition PAC hangmen). It simmered. (Some affronted by the suggestion of any change, and are still spewing, but that is the pac's loss, and all our loss).
The political will of some member cities has ebbed and flowed on this difficult area, but it has to be addressed, one way or another, sooner better than later. Just saying, "it can't be done" doesn't hold water.
I am very glad that Plano is leading on this. Go Plano! (Go, Richardson, O.K.?)
Mark Israelson, Plano Deputy City Manager and so called "young upstart," who I know, and I think is doing good, presents it well. Go M.I.! Mayor Phil Dyer too. Go M P.Dyer! All y'all...
Basically, the two way rachet adjustment (not just the upward one way "take or pay" formula as it has been) coupled with the use of reserves to level out the inevitable swings for the water system should be something that cities, and investors, can agree to.
Because, if some adjustments are not made overall to the non conservation promoting "take or pay" formula (plus some other adjustments, plus some inside city adjustments), the system is not well sustaining.
The non member cities need to share more in the cost (debt cost). The debt load to provide water (sourcing, financing) has gone up since the percentage rate for non member customers was last set in 1970.
The old framing of winner cities versus loser cities, growth cities vs. mature cities, in any given time period will just be, "we are all losers" if something is not done. The casual talk, that comes around here on uneven Springs, will not be only about paying for water we don't use, as it is now, but about having an ample water supply (financed AND affordable) to even use.
It is very challenging, because all the member cities have to agree, but it is not impossible. It can be done. I have been really encouraged by Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler's growing supportive tone about the issue, more than ever before (aside from his winner-vs-loser speak, and the one-eyebrow baby obsession with competeting with and beating Plano). Whatever works, to keep the boat afloat (and doesn't make us mortgage our homes, businesses and economy to pay the water bill. It could be nice not to have to flood east Texas quite so much).
The political will of some member cities has ebbed and flowed on this difficult area, but it has to be addressed, one way or another, sooner better than later. Just saying, "it can't be done" doesn't hold water.
I am very glad that Plano is leading on this. Go Plano! (Go, Richardson, O.K.?)
Mark Israelson, Plano Deputy City Manager and so called "young upstart," who I know, and I think is doing good, presents it well. Go M.I.! Mayor Phil Dyer too. Go M P.Dyer! All y'all...
Basically, the two way rachet adjustment (not just the upward one way "take or pay" formula as it has been) coupled with the use of reserves to level out the inevitable swings for the water system should be something that cities, and investors, can agree to.
Because, if some adjustments are not made overall to the non conservation promoting "take or pay" formula (plus some other adjustments, plus some inside city adjustments), the system is not well sustaining.
The non member cities need to share more in the cost (debt cost). The debt load to provide water (sourcing, financing) has gone up since the percentage rate for non member customers was last set in 1970.
The old framing of winner cities versus loser cities, growth cities vs. mature cities, in any given time period will just be, "we are all losers" if something is not done. The casual talk, that comes around here on uneven Springs, will not be only about paying for water we don't use, as it is now, but about having an ample water supply (financed AND affordable) to even use.
It is very challenging, because all the member cities have to agree, but it is not impossible. It can be done. I have been really encouraged by Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler's growing supportive tone about the issue, more than ever before (aside from his winner-vs-loser speak, and the one-eyebrow baby obsession with competeting with and beating Plano). Whatever works, to keep the boat afloat (and doesn't make us mortgage our homes, businesses and economy to pay the water bill. It could be nice not to have to flood east Texas quite so much).
