Polson's water rate plan is unfair

The city of Polson has proposed a water and sewer service rate increase that would cost city residents $93 per month. The plan is inequitable and basically unfair in that it proposes to reduce cost for “Snowbirds” when they are not using city water and sewer facilities.

When comparing a household of a single resident spending the whole year in Polson to a household with a couple that spends six months elsewhere, the amount of water used by the couple may be equal to or greater than the water used by the single person. There are many scenarios where the “Snowbird benefit” is unfair.

The perception is flawed if it is assumed that the amount of water use is what is most relevant when considering the rate increase. The rate increase mostly addresses the facilities, infrastructure, and function of city government needed to provide water and sewer services to all residents in the community. The service is provided to each homeowner equally. Resident do not pay city taxes just for the months they occupy their home. Residents pay taxes so that streets and public facilities will be built and public property maintained, and for city employees to conduct the public’s business.

The city spent thousands of dollars for an expert to analyze the cost and payment requirements for the water and sewer facility and infrastructure improvements. It seems reasonable to assume such an evaluation would provided calculations to show what rates city residents would pay if there were no “Snowbird” discount. I think this information is relevant to the City Commission decision and city residents should be made aware there are options that may reduce the proposed $93 rate increase. —Margie Hendricks, Polson