In the 2 February 2016 VUB Meeting, it was brought up by Mr. Rapp and clarification was requested from Mr. Skogstad, Atty., and Mr. Black, Finance Director on SB 234 as too whether it would be required to have up to 8% of the annual operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses. It was the impression, that it had to be 8%? Mr. Skodstad said the Auditors work under the premise of 8%. (I believe in hindsight reading the notes that it was not 8%, but the 1/8th that has since showed- 12 1/2%). Mr. Skogstad said the version of the bill he had, assuming it is the most recent, says we must maintain no less than 8%. So, the VUB KNEW the Reserve was in play, no matter 8% or the 1/8th. Yet, later, Mr. Rapp acts as if he was blindsided at the requirement? This was ALL about Power and an independence that has NOTHING to do with the well being of the people of Vienna. We are all now beginning to pay and will probably pay dearly for that Arrogant Horse's Butt mentality practiced by Mr. Rapp?
At the 1 March 2016 meeting, the needed Reserve for the Bond Sale to renovate/ build the many Water Tanks was "fully funded" I will put the Bond Sale in a "Time Line" of when events occurred that one and all helped to bankrupt or nearly so the VUB Water/ Sewer System.
A very telling comment in this meeting was Mr. Rapp: " Items for the five year plan need to be fluid as we address water quality concerns". This five year plan was SO fluid, it got done in about 2 years. Again, overspending non-existent funds.
In a Special Meeting at the VUB on 24 March 2016, the Bids for the new Garage Shed/ Salt Building came in. Last year, City could have built it for $248K dollars. This year, the best bid appeared to be $318K. Oh what the Hell, what is $70K between friends? Especially, when it is not their money, it is YOURS. But as noted far too often, it will really cost us nothing; the City/ VUB will and did pay for it.
And the City was fully aware on this date that the EPA was going to drop the Health Advisory Level and it needed something in place for when it happened. This is seven (7) weeks before the hammer dropped and the City/ VUB knew it was coming.
Than the "other shoes" began to drop in the 3 May 2016 meeting. While the Sewer Fund had an increase of $78,100, because of the "Debt Service" payment of $302,404, the account had a deficit of $250,304. This had to be taken of course from the Reserve for Sewer. I will not even go into Storm Water as it should really be under the City Streets Department and not part of the VUB. But by having it there, it helps to hide the ongoing shortages/Deficits
At the 7 June 2016 VUB Meeting, Mr. Barr noted he was discouraged with the Budget Process. I have noted some VUB members tried to address the money issues but were shushed, shut down and shut up. Conversation was also on either increasing Revenue or decrease expenses. The item that was popping up the most was the never ending shortfalls in Storm Water, but Mr. Rapp was very evasive on any Revenue Increases. The increase as I have noted before has never happened and we were than too close to the Election for the Truth to come out.
The need for the 12 1/2% reserve was finally recognized as the needed amount versus an 8%.
In spite of the Revenue Shortfall, the VUB still voted 4-0 to approve the $.50/ hour increase that would be effective 1 July 2016 for 2016- 2017. A $1040/ year increase with funds at a premium to find for needs versus buying votes. The Budgets were also approved 4-0 and this is where Mr. Barr should have stood up for the Citizens; sadly, he did not.
And finally in that meeting, Mr. Rapp went after me, indirectly, for the pallets of alleged out of date water he gave to his neighbor across the street from his home to water his pumpkins. I noted months back that I had called the American Bottling Association and spoke to a Vice President who was in that part of the group on Bottling dates. He said while no longer as fresh as newer water, it was like a can of soda with no fizz. Still drinkable, just not the zip to it. And to try and say no one was getting special treatment or more water is clearly another lie. The neighbor got pallets of water while not as fresh as it could have been and by the pallets- TWICE.
The new Water Filtration Systems were to be in by the end of July as was noted several times. Had they been installed as early planned, it would have been over and we would have been on our own water again. Instead, four (4), more were to come from Chemour for Wells 9 & 10 that are down by Sam's. Interesting, that we have four (4), for wells 11, 12, 13 and 14 but need four (4), for wells 9 & 10? And as noted, not done until end of October. Is or has anyone investigated Chemour for Russian interference in our local Election?
What I am showing you folks as we go along is the Misinformation, Misdirection, deceit and deception with as opportunity allows, a lie? 'nuff said'.
TO BE CONTINUED