Utility Rates Public Comment from Peter Pelchen2015 Teal Drive Monday, March 2nd, 2020 Kalispell, MT. 59901 To Whom it May Concern: In not being
able to attend the meeting this evening, although it was my intent, I am hoping this letter will still be
counted in the comments of this major decision concerning water and sewer rate increases. I am
intentionally keeping this letter short, as it is my firm belief that a considerable number of others will be
voicing in like-mind what I am about to say. I want to preface the preceding thoughts with the fact that
just one week ago I and those working for the same employer as myself, received news that our health
insurance premium payments are to be raised 14% this year. This is just one factual example that all
around us prices are rising. Each year for the last ten years with only one exception, our auto insurance
went up, sometimes a little but other times as much as $100.00. And the list of such expenses goes on
and increases continue yet the current national malady of stagnant wages continues to remain status
quo. I am poised to retire in the autumn of this year I have paid taxes for the past 50 years of my life. I
have worked in the field of human services, mostly with children and adults who have a disability. While
this is a job that is valued by our culture to a large extent in terms of servitude, I have never held
positions that paid well even though almost everyone one has called for having a four-year degree from
a University. In conclusion I ask what are people like myself to do? We try to plan ahead, live as frugally
as possible and wonder if the fixed income we receive will see us through all the increases we have
become familiar with, such as the auto insurance and health insurance premiums? And if not, then
what? Are we to pack up and move? Start looking for a community where such rates are more
affordable, including property taxes, another example of an expense steadily rising annually? I
understand that infrastructure is in need of repair and/or expansion as the city grows etc. I am not at all
questioning the need for the city to make necessary changes/improvements etc. What I would like to
ask is this, what would you do if you were in my position, unable to keep up with rising costs and the
very fees that you are about to impose on us? Please share with me what, from your perspective is the
this dilemma affecting all those in our community trying to live on a fixed income? Sincerely, Peter P.
Pelchen