Utility Rates Public Comment from Marta PouliotDATE: 25 February 2020
TO: Kalispell City Council
I recently received a notice of proposed impact fee adjustments for water and sewer utilities from the
City of Kalispell. I am greatly opposed to rate increases of any type to water and wastewater utility. I
was born and raised in Kalispell but have lived throughout the country and abroad. I have NEVER paid
the exorbitant amount I am currently being charged, by the City, for wastewater usage. Every place I
have ever lived, wastewater charges were part of the property tax bill and they were minimal.
I understand the City of Kalispell installed some state-of-the-art wastewater equipment at its treatment
plant and that is the reason for the excessive wastewater charges. But, does the City care how these fee
increases impact the every day lives of residents??
I am a single mother, raising a 15 years old boy on a single income. I am sure you are well aware of how
`unaffordable' Kalispell is. Rent is ridiculously overpriced. The median house price in Kalispell is currently
$325,000....add in typical monthly expenses such as gas, phone, electric, TV, and the excessive property
tax bill, and it would be safe to say that is a huge financial responsibility on the majority of Kalispell
residents to just have a roof over their heads.
My account number is #46435. My current water bill is $26.94 sans the sprinkler charge, which is
roughly half of the water bill amount when it is applied. The wastewater (sewer) portion is almost twice
my water bill at $46.68. My City of Kalispell water bill will increase from roughly $73.62 a month to over
$120.00 a month when sprinkler charges are applied. Are you kidding me?? I really don't care about
state-of-the-art equipment when I am struggling to ensure I pay my bills in full and on time.
I have lived in Kalispell since 2005, relocating from Australia. I have attended numerous City Council
meetings and hearings that pertained to discussions/actions that negatively impacted my life and those
in my neighborhood. I am well aware Kalispell City Council will go through the legal motions to hold
hearings but sadly it does not listen to the residents it represents and will vote to increase rates and
apply financial burdens on its residents.
I would ask City Council to apply common sense in this matter and NOT raise water and wastewater
rates that would undoubtably place a financial hardship on its residents. You have been elected to
represent your district and make decisions to enhance quality of life; not place an unnecessary burden
on it.
Sincerely,
Marta Pouliot