Alternative wastewater plant study more responsible and thoughtful

As you may know, we recently included a “Wastewater Treatment Project Update” with our utility bills. To the best of my knowledge and information, it is balanced and honest.

During our last Council meeting (6/10/15), former Mayor, Quincy Snow publicly referred to me as a “liar,” without any substantive facts or data to present. I don’t know where he’s coming from.

The “Wastewater Project Update” was factual. The estimates of the “prior” project would have seen rates at least brought to $80 each month or even over $100. Had we not refocused by actually evaluating alternates, we would have locked into limited and more expensive loans and antiquated maintenance & operations procedures.

Recall Mr. Snow was at the helm in 2004 and he approved increases to our sewer monthly charges to $70.00 per ERU as well as locking the residents of Coulee Dam into expensive loans – without considering other alternatives. Also recall the 2014 current mayor and town council rescinded the $70.00 fees to a more reasonable $56, and the rates are now frozen pending future design and a reasonable design and capitalization plan.

From my perspective, we are moving forward with a new design/plan and developing funding from another funding source, made possible due to the re-evaluation process we completed during the last year. We expect the revised project is more thoughtful and responsible. We have conferred with our stakeholders (Coulee Dam, Elmer City, the Colville Tribes) throughout the process; we have developed a plethora of design alternatives; and we are preparing a responsible funding package … we are always “open” to consider your questions, your thoughts, and your suggestions.

F. Gregory Wilder

mayor of Coulee Dam