2023.05.18 Public Comments - Prop 218'SOUTH Tgy00
AGe�1C UTILITY DI��`G�
Thank you for attending the STPUD
BOARD MEETING
DATE: `1 : (Y. 7�
Please sign in:
2023 Customer Responses from Proposed Rate Increases — 5/18/23
Information about the proposed rate increase was included on May bills, advertised on social media, and
shared via a press release that was picked up by the Tribune and South Tahoe Now. An email was sent to
11,486 customers with a 69% open rate (very high). To date, we have received around 30 email
responses from customers.
Of the 13 emails featured below, 2 supported the increase, 7 opposed, and 4 had questions.
Customer Response:
1. 5/3/23 — M Bird: Received your email notice of intent to increase rates. I can't find any notice for the
May 18th meeting to review the proposed increases nor can I find any way to submit comments.
2. 5/3/23 - Dan O'Rork - Do we have a choice?
3. 5/3/23 - Raylene Blandino - Not impressed with the constant out of control government and
appointed agencies greed and manipulation!
4. 5/4/23 - Michael Teutsch — approved
5. 5/4/23 - Annette Chiara - Increasing rates is not acceptable! Do I get a vote against this rate
increase?
6. 5/4/23Rich Cortese — You just raised rates when you went to a monthly billing now your going to
raise the rates again this is BS , I worked in the water department and we didn't raise rates this
aggressively !!!
7. 5/4/23 — Copper Kettle - Are you kidding??? You're already fleecing residents
8. 5/4/23 — Annette Schoonover - How about doing an update to your data collection on water usage. I
constantly get inaccurate readings. 7.5 gallons one day and then like 102 gallons another day and
then back to odd usage numbers. I even got high numbers once when no one was even home !!!!!!
9. 5/4/23 - Rose and Larry Whitcomb - Please raise the rates - it's about time. We all need to pay.
Those that may oppose really do not understand. We have constant problems on our street and
looks like it is only getting worse. Please all vote yes
10. 5/8/23 - Ali Moghadam - It's ridiculous the kind of rate increases STPUD is imposing on the rate
payers. Is there any one on the board who may be familiar with cost cutting measures?
11. 5/8/23 — Michael Mills - My name is Michael Mills - My wife and I own a home at 1235 Acoma Circle
in South lake Tahoe. My water bill is this month is $5.44 for water used. HOWEVER; Our sewer base
fee is $48.03, and we have only flushed a toilet a few times. Our water base fee is 50.20, and we
have only taken few showers. AND you are notifying us of your intent to raise our fees again in July,
you're out of your minds.. This makes absolutely no sense that the fees exceed my usage billing and
your about to raise them again. I protest this is the strongest way. Was this by a vote of the people
or just you folks sitting and discussing it over a beverage? You are about to prevent us from living in
Tahoe due to your absolutely mismanagement.
12. 5/11/23 —Annabelle Villanueva - Hi You already did this few years ago in my area at Birch Avet here
was a huge increase in water & sewer charges
13. 5/18/23 — Fred Barry - To whom it may concern: Since I cannot attend the meeting today, I just want
to voice my opposition to this latest increase. It seems like this is just another money grab by a
greedy corporation. Don't you receive grants for this type of thing? Don't your employees get a pay
raises or other compensation whenever these increases happen? A 10% increase seems excessive.
Is this the reason that you changed our billing to monthly so you can say the increase is only $10
dollars a month, when in fact it would be equivalent to over $30 per quarter. I cannot remember an
increase this big. Please consider the continued hardship this places on your customers.
My name is Jerry Hiraga and have lived here for almost 14 years and
this home is my second home. The water rates have been high but I
figured I couldn't do anything to lower the fees. But after the meters
were installed I figured to pay a much lower bill because the water use
was monitored. Then I was told that the bulk of my bill was the sewer
hookup to 4 bathrooms & a very small portion was due to the water
use. I would hope that the board would take into consideration that
why should we get penalized for having to many bathrooms which we
rarely use. Maybe they could have sliding rates for more bathrooms or
cap it out at 3 sewer connections. Thank you for taking us into
consideration. Sincerely Jerry and Karen Hiraga.
Sent from my iPhone
Melonie Guttry
From:
Diana Cervantes
Sent:
Monday, May 8, 2023 9:04 AM
To:
Shelly Thomsen; Melonie Guttry
Subject:
FW: 1161 Tokoichi st. South Lake Tahoe
Good morning
I wasn't exactly sure as to who I would forward this email to. This customer would like his statement to be read to the
board for the May 18th Board Meeting, please proceed as you see fit. Let me know if there is any additional information
you may need.
Thank you,
Customer Service Representative
South Tahoe Public Utility District
530.543.6223 Direct Phone 1 530 541.0614 Fax
AN
�.
1275 Meadow Crest Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7401
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)
and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail or calling 530-543-6224 and
destroy all copies of the original message
From: Jerry Hiraga <kjjjj12345@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 5:51 PM
To: Customer Service <CS@stpud.dst.ca.us>
Subject: 1161 Tokoichi st. South Lake Tahoe
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know thesenderand are expecting the email.
My name is Jerry Hiraga and have lived here for almost 14 years and this home is my second home. The water rates have
been high but I figured I couldn't do anything to lower the fees. But after the meters were installed I figured to pay a
much lower bill because the water use was monitored. Then I was told that the bulk of my bill was the sewer hookup to
4 bathrooms & a very small portion was due to the water use. I would hope that the board would take into
consideration that why should we get penalized for having to many bathrooms which we rarely use. Maybe they could
have sliding rates for more bathrooms or cap it out at 3 sewer connections. Thank you for taking us into consideration.
Sincerely Jerry and Karen Hiraga.
Hello all,
I'm addressing the vote on increasing our rates by 9.5%. As
someone, 45 yr local, on social security w a son who currently
rents this would devastate both our budgets. Grocery bills have
increased at least 30% in 1.5 yrs. Gasoline, propane and heating
fuel, due to a demented leader with an fraudulent green agenda,
is literally draining our personal coffers. IF your agenda is to
transform Tahoe into an elite community without families,
middle class,etc, then I'd say you are on target. Pricing us out of
affording our homes.
I would suggest you all think of others solutions. We, the
residents, of Tahoe and America are sick and tired of bearing the
costs of everyone.
Thank you, Melissa Odlin
Sent from my iPad
Melonie Guttry
From: Ryan Lee
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 9:26 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: FW: STUPID meeting please read 5/4/23
Hi Melonie,
We received this email from a customer who later called and requested that it be distributed to the Board as a
comment.
Can you please pass it along to them?
Thanks,
Ryan Lee
Customer Service Manager
South Tahoe Public Utility District
1275 Meadow Crest Dr
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 530-543-6221
Email: rlee@stpud.us
From: Ken Odlin <kenintahoe@icloud.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 7:33 PM
To: Customer Service <CS@stpud.dst.ca.us>; Tamara Wallace <twaIlace @cityofslt.us>
Subject: STUPD meeting please read 5/4/23
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Lao notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know the sen derand are expecting the email.
Hello all,
I'm addressing the vote on increasing our rates by 9.5%. As someone, 45 yr local, on social security w a son who
currently rents this would devastate both our budgets. Grocery bills have increased at least 30% in 1.5 yrs. Gasoline,
propane and heating fuel, due to a demented leader with an fraudulent green agenda, is literally draining our personal
coffers. IF your agenda is to transform Tahoe into an elite community without families, middle class,etc, then I'd say you
are on target. Pricing us out of affording our homes.
I would suggest you all think of others solutions. We, the residents, of Tahoe and America are sick and tired of bearing
the costs of everyone.
Thank you, Melissa Odlin
Sent from my iPad
To: STPUD Board Members May 12, 2023
RE: Proposed Sewer and Water Rate Increases
Dear Members of the Board,
On review of your proposed sewer and water rate increases the actual percentages areas follows;
Sewer - Current $ 48.03 / Mo. Proposed $ 52.59 / Mo. = 9.5 % Increase
Water - Current $ 50.20 / Mo. Proposed $ 56.39 / Mo. = 12.3% Increase
I am a former employee of STPUD and understand the forever ongoing
need to replace aged sewer and water lines and infrastructure.
My concern is most local residents and homeowner's income levels
(within your district) are well below the average for the State, with
many of us (myself included) retired and living on fixed income.
Tahoe residents have already been recently slammed by natural gas
increases well over 100% and just another electric rate increase of 25%
as of January this year. Local residents are already severely impacted.
These extraordinary utility company increases cause other serious
impacts down the line. Landlords are forced to dramatically raise rents
on tenants in an already horrible rental market. Workforce rental
housing is so limited and expensive already that many have been forced
to leave the hill.
Seniors and others on fixed income are struggling to financially recover
from damages from one of our most severe winters ever. The list goes
on with far reaching consequences.
I believe your proposed increases are poorly timed, and unreasonable
implore you to spread the increases out over at least 2-3 years to
relieve some of the impact on local residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, John Adamski — 47-year Tahoe Resident
To: STPUD Board Members May 12. 2023
RE: Proposed Sewer and Water Rate Increases
Dear Members of the Board,
On review of your proposed sewer and water rate increases the actual percentages are as follows;
Sewer- Current $ 48.03 / Mo. Proposed $ 52.59 / Mo. = 9.5 % Increase
Water - Current $ 50.20 / Mo. Proposed $ 56.39 / Mo. = 12.3% Increase
I am a former employee of STPUD and understand the forever ongoing need to replace aged sewer and
water lines and infrastructure.
My concern is most local residents and homeowner's income levels (within your district) are well below
the average for the State, with many of us (myself included) retired and living on fixed income.
Tahoe residents have already been recently slammed by natural gas increases well over 100% and just
another electric rate increase of 25% as of January this year. Local residents are already severely
impacted.
These extraordinary utility company increases cause other serious impacts down the line. Landlords are
forced to dramatically raise rents on tenants in an already horrible rental market. Workforce rental
housing is so limited and expensive already that many have been forced to leave the hill.
Seniors and others on fixed income are struggling to financially recover from damages from one of our
most severe winters ever. The list goes on with far reaching consequences.
I believe your proposed increases are poorly timed, and unreasonable. I implore you to spread the
increases out over at least 2-3 years to relieve some of the impact on local residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, John Adamski — 47-year Tahoe Resident
14r /Vt I la C,
Melonie Guttry,
Clerk of the Board
STPUD
The reason I'm personally writing to you is to advise you that many
members of the public have contacted me to express their dismay and
opposition to the proposed rate increase.
Many think I'm still on the STPUD Board, so they call to let me know
what they are thinking. Also, they may be aware that the Lodging
Association, South Tahoe Board of Realtors and both Chambers of
Commerce recently opposed the two taxes being evaluated by the City
of South Lake Tahoe. And as you are aware the School Bond measure
did not pass.
Those who are renters have expressed concern that their landlord has
said they will raise the rent because of the STPUD increase. The
businesses are concerned that the District is tone deaf to the very harsh
past four years that they have experienced starting with the horrible
smoke, then the evacuation, then the pandemic and this year the above
normal snowfall. They are saying that they will have to raise their
prices, which will cause a reduction in customers. It becomes a
downward spiral. Many have said that they believe the rise in rates will
just be eaten up by wage and salary increases. Those who can least
afford the rates will be the ones with no way to offset the cost of the
increases.
In the past, those in favor of rate increases have asked " which projects
do you want to not see completed?" My answer has been that the ones
least likely to cause a sewer spill should be set aside for the issues that
need immediate attention. It comes down to want versus need. The
Build Back Better bill has billions of dollars available for infrastructure.
Dennis Cocking and I, along with the consultants, were able to obtain
about thirty million. Joint projects with other jurisdictions are still
possible and the Corps of Engineers have resources. The State of
California has many grant opportunities. Each agency compares their
rates and increases to other agencies and often uses what others do as
an excuse to copy those increases. That is not a logical path but rather
an excuse. In fact, when all agencies do that the public suffers as the
herd mentality becomes increase after increase.
Your customers have to decide what food and clothing to not buy or
what to not fix themselves. What you do with rates affects thousands
of people.
Please consider the foregoing in your deliberations.
Sincerely,
Duane Wallace
530-545-3563
duane wallace(@hotmail.com
�j0
Melonie Guttry
From: Elena Stevens
Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: FW: New rate increases
Hi Melanie,
See below, there is Another concerned customer regarding the rate increase.
Q
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r,
Elena Stevens
Customer Service Representative
South Tahoe Public Utility District
530.543.6224 Direct Phone 1 530.541.0614 Fax
s
'+•• rife -"
� Y
1275 Meadow Crest Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7401
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)
and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail or calling 530-543-6224 and
destroy all copies of the original message
From: sue quinn <sequinn@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 7:14 AM
To: Customer Service <CS@stpud.dst.ca.us>
Subject: New rate increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do not click any links or
attachments unless you know thesenderand are expecting the email.
When are you going to give seniors and people living in small, 2 bedroom, lbath homes a break?. I've gone to your
meetings before and listened to people talk about how the increase in rates effects us. But your company still continues
to raise the rates stating the same reasons every time and to rip off the small efficient home owners. Our monthly bills
are 100.00 before we are billed for water usage!. Which, luckily for us is very low.
Can your company work more efficiently? And who can small home owners talk to to get a different lower rate tier from
Melonie Gutt
From: Hilary Hannis
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 4:12 PM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: FW: Rate increases
Hilary Hannis
Customer Service Representative
South Tahoe Public Utility District
530.543.6217 Direct Phone 1 530.541.0614 Fax
7 A ly
1275 Meadow Crest Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7401
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)
and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail or calling 530-543-6217 and
destroy all copies of the original message
From: Lisa McDonald <lisacmcdonald69@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:50 PM
To: Customer Service <CS@stpud.dst.ca.us>
Subject: Rate increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do not click any links or
attachments unless yo u know th a sen der an d are expecting the email.
Hello, I disagree with rate increases for South Lake Tahoe. I do agree that infrastructure needs to be upgraded but the
pricing is already high and unfair.
I pay a minimum of almost $100 a month whether I use any water or not. Water pricing should be based on usage and
we should be rewarding those who use less water. Since many residents are not on water meters, we are still paying flat
rates and this is unacceptable.
With the high cost of inflation, already high water pricing, and every other utility charging us more and more money
because they have neglected to invest in the infrastructure, I do not want to pay out any more of my hard earned
money. Everyone is raising their rates and this is unacceptable. The locals are already stretched thin. Go get a grant from
the state or the federal government.
Get everyone on water meters and come up with a pricing recharge that is equitable based on usage as not everyone is
using the same amount of water. Water charging should not be based on how many sinks you have in your home. That is
not right. Many people have large homes and live by themselves and are paying a lot of money for water because they
Melonie Guttry
From:
Info
Sent:
Monday, May 15, 2023 8:50 AM
To:
imaw8n4fire@hotmail.com
Subject:
FW: proposed rate increases
Good morning Jon,
Thank you for your feedback. We will share your email with the Board of Directors.
Sincerely,
Shelly Thomsen
Director of Public and Legislative Affairs
South Tahoe Public Utility District
530-543-6208 1 sthomsen@stpud.us
From: jon anderson <imaw8n4fire@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 8:55 AM
To: Info <Info@stpud.us>
Subject: proposed rate increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know thesenderand areexpecting the email.
STPUD Directors,
The proposal of a 9.4% increase to residential customers for water and sewer services is too extreme for the current
economy. Most of your clients are struggling with inflation and other detrimental economic issues. I understand the
planning for a CIP and system update but considering the District increased the rates not too long ago, to double down
on rate increases at 9.4% is unjust and unreasonable. I would recommend downscaling your improvements until the
economy improves and perhaps only increase rates 2 or 3%. 9.4% is too excessive for your clients.
Sincerely,
Jon Anderson
Sent from Mail for Windows
Melonie Guttry
From: Kathleen Bailey <kbaileyslt@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 8:23 PM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: We Oppose the 9.5% Rate Increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside theorganization. Donotclick anylinksor
attachments unless you know the sender and are expecting the email.
As SLT residents for 20 years, we oppose the 9.5 % rate increases
Steven & Kathleen Bailey
1896 Cascade Court, SLT
Melonie Guttry
From:
lamko@aol.com
Sent:
Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:08 AM
To:
Melonie Guttry
Subject:
Rate Increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you knew the sender and are expecting the email.
The water and sewer rates you're proposing are absurd. Tell us why this 9.5% is needed.
Louise Martin Kobellas
Homeowner
Sent from the all new AOL apo for iOS
From the Desk of Terri L. ]inkens
P.O. Box 8066, South Lake Tahoe, CA * tjinkens@charter. net
May 18, 2023
TO: David Peterson, President and Members of the STPUD Board
RE: Opposition to Proposed 9.5% Rate Increase
I am writing to respectfully ask the Board to reconsider such a large rate increase
to its customers.
I would recommend the Board consider using more of its reserve or rate
stabilization funds to level off the increase. What are the specific reasons the
increase is so large? Is this because of materials costs, labor costs or both? Is it
to help fund solar initiatives or other experimental projects? There are lots of
great ideas but the question is how much do they cost and is now the right time
to explore them? I say, 'ono" and that your customers need your compassion and
a break right now not a 9.5% increase. The inflation rate in California is only
6.5%.
I would tend to oppose such a large increase until we are better informed of the
answers and there is more discussion on the topic.
The District needs to realize the people who live here are already experiencing
high increases in almost every facet of their lives. STPUD customers have
endured some very challenging years lately with COVID, the Caldor Fire, and an
epic winter.
While I appreciate the STPUD Board's service to its customers and trying to
manage during these difficult times, I encourage the Board to consider re-
evaluating such a large increase at this time and to direct staff to explore
infrastructure grants, using more rate stabilization funds, and other sources. The
question for public agencies and their boards right is "when do you stop raising
prices and look at ways to cut costs".
Respectfully,
Terri L. Jinkens
Melonie Gutt
From: Brad A Piazzo <hiker03@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:36 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: Rate increase
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unlessyou know thesenderand are expecting the email.
So overwhelmed by ALL utility increases! Please give us a break. I have lived in Tahoe my whole life and can honestly say
that these are very repressive times. Thank you!
Melonie Guttry
From: Roger <rswtahoe@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:38 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: Water increase
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Donotclick anylinksor
attachments unless you know thesenderand areexpecting the email.
I oppose this high increase. There has to be some mismanagement in the system that would require an almost 10%
increase.
Roger Williams
Resident of the city of SLT
Sent from my iPhone
Melonie Guttry
From: Carol Daum <gncdaum@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:55 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: Todays Agenda 6(2) resolution 3244-23
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or I
attachments unless you know thesenderand are expecting the email. 1`
Dear Directors of the STPUD board,
As a long term rental property owner for both commercial and residential properties, we do NOT support todays agenda
item 6(2) resolution number 3244-23.
The rates have already increased substantially enough that you have gone from quarterly billing to monthly. These
substantial increases will be passed to the consumers and tenants, contributing to unaffordable housing and hurting the
local economy.
We oppose anyone's decision to approve this agenda action item.
Respectfully,
Greg & Carol Daum
Sent from my iPhone
Melonie Guttry
From: djinkens@charter.net
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:57 AM
To: 'David Peterson'; Kelly Sheehan; Nick Exline; Shane Romsos; Nick Haven
Cc: John Thiel; Melonie Guttry
Subject: PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES - OPPOSITION
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you knew the sender andareexpecting the email
Dear President Peterson and Board Members:
I am writing in opposition to the proposed 9.5% increase in water and sewer rates that will be
discussed at your meeting this afternoon. Please let me explain my thinking on the matter.
In general, I have a high regard and respect for the Board and staff headed by John Thiel. I know that
all of you want to provide the best services possible to the people of the District.
The time for large increases in the cost of government in one of the worst economies and inflation in
decades is not now. Everywhere we look government at all levels is attempting to increase taxes,
fees, and charges to their customers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the annual
inflation rate for California in 2022 was 6.5%. The cost of living for all District customers continues to
rise, and people who are already struggling to pay their bills need relief.
I understand that the cost to government rises as well. However, government officials need to
examine ways that they can defer certain costs out of respect for their customers. What steps can the
District take to reduce this proposed large rate increase? What projects or activities can be delayed or
not implemented to give relief to rate payers? What can you do to let District rate payers know that
they come first?
With respect, it takes no creativity to simply raise rates every year. District officials and staff need to
examine ways to contain rate increases so that customers who already are being hit with other rising
costs or proposed tax increases by local, regional, state, or Federal officials, can get relief. Your
customer base for the most part needs relief and a reprieve from ever increasing costs of
government.
Thank you for your service and thank you for listening to the concerns of your customers.
Respectfully,
David
David Jinkens, MPA
Good Government Advocate
Melonie Guttry
From: John Thiel
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 9:29 AM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: FW: Proposed Rate Increase
From: Yahoo Mail Server <karianol@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 9:06 AM
To: Shane Romsos <sromsos@stpud.us>; Kelly Sheehan <ksheehan@stpud.us>; Nick Exline <nexline@stpud.us>; Nick
Haven <nhaven @stpud.us>; John Thiel <jthiel@stpud.us>
Subject: Proposed Rate Increase
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know the senderand are expecting the email.
Dear David and Board Members,
As a retired resident of South Lake Tahoe, I oppose the new Rate Increase. We have already seen our utility bills increse
significantly in the past few years.
There are alot of others in this town that are having difficulties making monthly obligations. This increase will further
their burden, possibly encouraging workforce employees to move.
Please, I am asking for a NO vote on this increase. Enough is enough!
Sincerely,
Karen Imhoff
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Melonie Guttry
From:
Protonmail.com <toniha1154@proton mail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:39 AM
To:
Melonie Guttry
Cc:
Thomas Yant
Subject:
We Oppose the 9.5% Rate Increases
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know thesenderand areexpecting the email.
Melanie:
I hope you will be able to distribute my letter to the Board.
Thanks,
Toni
Dear STPUD Board:
After such a tough winter, residents of our community are now struggling with maintenance and repair costs of
damaged fences, snow removal, and various out of pocket expenses this extreme winter has caused.
Like many residents, we are also concerned about future wildfires, so are busy trying to pay for mitigation efforts
including defensible space. Tree removal in particular has cost us over $9000 this last year. Fence replacement, another
$1000. The point being, that now is not the time for a sewer and water rate hike. We would like the extra money to be
left in our pockets because we have other expenses and fees and are tired of agencies considering rate payers as deep
pockets.
We would like STPUD to continue to utilize grant funds for now and put off the big projects they have in mind; give the
residents a break for now and let them catch up with paying for all the out of pocket expenses these past seasons of
disaster have produced.
Sincerely,
Tom and Toni Yant
1728 Sawmill Rd
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Melonie Guttry
From: Kim Jones <kjones@pyramidpeakproperties.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:40 AM
To: Melonie Guttry; Paul Hughes; John Thiel; Nick Haven; Nick Exline; Kelly Sheehan; Shane
Romsos; dpeterson@pbieng.com
Subject: Oppose STPUD 9.5% rate increase
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do notclick anylinks or
attachments unless you know the senderand are expecting the email.
Dear South Tahoe Public Utilities District Board Members:
I am writing in opposition to the proposed 9.5% increase in water and sewer rates that will be discussed at your meeting
this afternoon. As a full-time resident of South Lake Tahoe who works two jobs to maintain living here, another increase
from yet another utility company will be more hardship not just on myself but many residents who live here.
I understand the need for updating infrastructure, but I don't always feel our money is spent wisely. I'm not singling out
STPUD, but government/utility agencies in general. Inflation is an all-time high —so many goods and services (on top of
astronomical home insurance rates) are becoming out of reach for many full-time residents who live here. This increase
is just another of many added together making life unaffordable here.
Thank you for your time,
Kim
Kim Jones
516 emaraed Bay Road #231, SIT, OA
Melonie Guttry
From: P A M E L A FRANC IS is now @ COMPASS <tahoerealtor4u@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 12:22 PM
To: dpeterson@pbieng.com
Cc: sromos@stpud.us; Kelly Sheehan; Nick Exline; Nick Haven; John Thiel; Paul Hughes;
Melonie Guttry
Subject: No Increase in STPUD FEES
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To Whom It May Concern!
Our community has been through so much loss & tragedy from:
a) Epic Winter Repairs to our homes
b) Horrendous Costs for the repairs to our vehicles from the poorest &
most appalling road conditions... still!
c) Some are still recovering from the expenses of the fire
d) Costs for Defensible Space and landscaping to HomeOwners
e) Inflated and extremely difficult times to insure our homes
f) No revenue $$$$ coming into our community from VHR's, to help with
some of our community improvements, such as roads, snow removal
equipment, etc.
g) Increases in ALL of our Utility Co.'s
h) Food, fuel for our vehicles, building materials, lack of workforce,
medical expenses, prescription costs, the list goes on and on.
This affects all of us! Please be an example of empathy & support for our
community! NO RATE INCREASES.
Thank you in advance! I would L O V E to be the Compass
to your Dreams and Friendships!
1
Melonie Guttry
From: Mike <bikeaddict@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 1:00 PM
To: Melonie Guttry
Subject: No way
CAUTION: This email originated outside the organization. Do not dick any links or
attachments unless you know the sender and are expecting the email
I can't afford this. I'm on a fixed income and trying to put two kids through college.
Sent from my Phone