AG 2002 10 21 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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However, please r/otc if the legislature allows the same revenue sources that were frozen in FY 2001-2002 to be withheld in FY 2002-2003 but for a full fiscal year, this would result in a loss to Concord of $4 million, roughly equivalent to seven cents on the property tax rate. This would · decimate this proposed budget and lead to severe service cuts and employee layoffs. ENVIRONMENT Water and Wastewater 'In the budget message for FY2000-2001 it was noted how important it was that Concord's elected officials set a goal, as the designated regional water provider, to pursue neW water sources in the upcoming fiscal years. The ongoing severe drought and resulting restrictions has brought this need to the forefront for the past two years and the public and other Cabarrus local governments now also realize the importance of new water sources. As .was predicted, obtaining large new water sources has required extended planning periods. As this message is being written, the ~lected 'officials are taking steps to meet this goal as we are anticipating an agreement with the City of Charlotte through the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Utility Department to borrow part of their recently granted Interbasin Transfer Certificate and buy more treated water. Concord is also working on its own Interbasin Transfer Certificate for the Catawba and Yadkin Rivers. A new connection and related waterlines, in addition to those that exist in the Sp.eedway area and in Highland Creek, will be constructed to maximize the delivery of this water from Charlotte. All this work will not be cheap and significant water and wastewater rate increases are being recommended as is totally revamping the water and wastewater rate and fee structures. Cabarrus County has no additional water sources within its boundaries and we must go outside to obtain water. As a result, water is going to be more expensive in Cabarrus County than it will for it s neighbor's with larger rivers. Regionalism knows no county boundaries and Concord has taken the lead in working with jurisdictions outside Cabarrus County to obtain additional water. Also, area local governments must also be working on a regional level to make sure we do not continue to make the mistake of separating the accountability for infrastructure decisions with planning and development decisions that impact growth. When the then Coddle Creek reservoir was completed in the mid 90's, it was thought that water needs were taken care of for Cabarrus County for 20 to 30 years. This has been the thought by some even into 2001. However, as was pointed out in last year's message, efforts to obtain other sources had to begin immediately or the region could well find itself in a situation of running out of water. The drought that has so negatively impacted our reservoirs, combined with the residential growth trend verified by the Census, has shown us how painful it can be to have infrastructure planning going in one direction and land use (or the lack of) in another. The recent push to allow community wells at urban densities in the northwest portion of Cabarrus County just serves to point out the environmental problems that can be generated by inadequate land use controls.. Concord currently has the expertise in both areas to coordinate such efforts for its citizens and its service area. While Concord's land use authority outside its City Limits is negligible, it is recommended that the City do nothing to relinquish its control over utilities until it is proven that these services can be delivered by a different supplier without a negative impact on Concord customers. Also, work is well underway on upgrades to the Hillgrove and Coddle Creek Water Plants. Phase I of the Hillgrove upgrade is almost completed. This work is leading to Concord's ability to maximize the amount of treated water that can be produced with existing sources, once the drought is over. This budget contains the funds necessary to fund the debt for these two projects as well as costs for the CMU connection. This debt will be part of the revenue bond issuance coming up later this year and it, along with the decreasing revenues due to the drought led to the proposed average increase of 18% in residential water rates. It is 'crucial that Council