Why would a city that is running out of money to the point where they need to find ways to get rid of the city's fire department, end kid's swim lessons, and plow under the community garden want to spend money a on a second water rate study in a year? On Tuesday, March 22, Orange City Council will consider paying up to $58,400 for a second water rate study.
Why? During the February 8, 2011, meeting to discuss water rate increases, when the Council couldn't come to an agreement to raise water rates to not take money from the general fund, they voted to do another water rate study. Rolled into this study, at the request of Councilmember Fred Whitaker, is the possible sale of the water company to a private company.
And is the Council still going to spend money on consultants to figure out how to right size the City staff? The item's not on the agenda for the meeting, but that doesn't mean it's not going to happen. The City Manager is allowed to sign contracts below a certain size without the item coming to Council for approval. This is done so every expense report, order for office supplies, etc, doesn't end up on the agenda. This is how the consulting agreement with Citygate Associates LLC to end the City-run fire department by creating a mini-Orange County Fire Authority appears to have been done.
You can find out if contracts have been given out by looking at the warrant registers, which is the list of checks issued by the City. Each agenda packet has a list of the warrant registers. Look thru the registers and ask about items that aren't clear to you or you can't find being discussed in council meetings. Even though the contract has been signed, you can still talk about it and ask questions.
Here are the Black & Veatch contract extension, March 22 agenda, and February 8 minutes to help you out.
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