HWD Rates draw fire; storm causes minor damage - gas 2.62 on average - friday furlough day - and Labor Commissioner in Florence

Water Rate Increases Draw Fire…

The Heceta Water District Commission was prepared last night to get an earful, and they did.
204 – “Two-and-a-half times you raised the water rate. It’s the equivalent to taking a gallon of gasoline at 2.60 a gallon and raising it to 6.44 a gallon overnight.”

That’s Mike Hulsey (HULL-zee), the owner of Buck Lake Trailer Park. He and about two-dozen others were at the Water Commission’s meeting to complain about a rate increase that took effect in July. Because of the bi-monthly billing cycle, the full effects of that increase weren’t readily noticeable until this month.
205 – “You’re jeopardizing future development by what you’ve done here and percentage wise you’ve increased the water rate 144%.”

Hulsey told commissioners that all of his tenants, like so many other residents of Heceta Water District, are seniors on fixed incomes. He also said he wouldn’t be satisfied until rates came down.
206 – “I’m going to do whatever I can to stop this rate increase or roll it back.”

District manager Scott Meyer defended the increases, saying they were needed to help pay for several upcoming capital projects. Meyer also said the rate structure is set up to encourage conservation.

The season’s first winter storm moved through the area early this morning, leaving scattered debris and power outages in its wake. A high wind of 54 miles an hour was recorded at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend; 58 miles an hour at Sea Lion Caves. No major damage was reported.

Because of budget reductions taken by the latest legislative session, most state offices will be closed this Friday. It’s the first of ten ‘unpaid furlough’ days that will be taken by most state employees. Essential services, such as the Oregon State Police and corrections will be unaffected, but 26,500 state employees will have the day off without pay saving an estimated $2-million. The shutdown means offices offering employment services, motor vehicles licensing and senior services won’t be available.

Oregon’s Labor Commissioner, Brad Avakian, will be in Florence tomorrow for two appearances. He’s in charge of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and will speak about changes brought about by the 2009 Legislature that will have an impact on both employers and employees. Avakian will address the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce at noon tomorrow, as well as on KCST’s Community Forum in the afternoon.

Gas prices continue to dip… the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped by three cents in Florence this week to $2.62. The statewide average price as measured by Triple-A of Oregon is down four cents to $2.73. The average price in Eugene is $2.76; in Portland it’s $2.69 a gallon. Despite the drop in prices, Oregon’s average remains the fifth highest in the nation.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Prep Volleyball:
The Siuslaw Vikings swept the South Umpqua Lancers in three games last night in Florence, 25-20; 25-15; and 25-20 to remain in a tie with Brookings-Harbor for second place in the Far West League. Coach Amy Peterson said it was a ‘well played match’. Seabre Church had 15 kills and Leigh Aurich had 34 assists. Katie Catalfamo was a perfect 17-of-17 from the service line with four aces, and added Peterson, had two great service runs, both at key times in the match. The Vikings have a week off now and will host winless Sutherlin next Tuesday.

On the schedule… Mapleton will be on the road for Mountain West League Volleyball against the Cougars in Crow.