Water rates
January 29th, 2010 by 
Alica
Do you feel the city water rates are fair? Would you be in favor of higher water rates if the extra money went toward a new water tower?
How high would you go?
Posted in Uncategorized, City business | 
January 29th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
This was posted on a different thread, but it is relevant to this topic, so I am re-posting it here. It originally was posted by a user with the name of “old dog.”
It involves the city council raising water rates for a new water tower. They did that once, the last time they instituted the new water rate method along with a HUGE increase in building permits. It was specified that it was to raise 1 mil for a new tower that would be needed on the north side of Brandon. I can’t tell you when it was exactly nor the original language of the ordinance because if you question the council and it’s records, they will tell you that was not the intent of the increase at all. Somehow the language got changed when it was decided to divert that money to other sources. It was asked specifically at the meeting at which it was introduced and passed if and when the money was enough to purchase a new tower, would the fund be stopped and the rates lowered. The reply was yes, when it was determined a tower could be purchased for a given amount, the increased monies would be stopped. Now they are going to do it again and the rates, that were supposed to be dropped will be raised once more. Oh-building permit fees have also been increased. If you are interested, ask for verification at the next council meeting.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:37 am
Glad to see this topic come up it seems we live in the land on taxes. We see new increases coming in water and sewer rates. We see fees increasing on frontage of streets. We sent a group to Pierre with them endorsing three more tax items.
Got to love living in Brandon.
Not to say increasing fees at the golf course.Can’t wait for the city election and hear the candidates put the spin to why we should except these fee changes.And if you are correct on the rate increase many years ago where did that go to?
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:52 am
Dennis Olson was quoted as saying that since we are a growing city we shouldn’t have the lowest rates in the area. With his rationale, we had better increase our school taxes as well because we can’t be growing and yet one of the most efficient school districts in the state. I would think the fact that we are growing keeps the costs reasonable for everyone. Maybe it is time for Dennis to fade into the sunset.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
To Ananymous-go to a council meeting and ask your question. I am just saying that the rates were raised when the new system was introduced at least 10 years ago. That was also the time the building permit fees were raised-where did that money all go and continue to go. Ask them!
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
The city budgets are on the city Web site, www.brandonsd.com, going back to 2005. There, you can see a breakdown of all the city income and expenses. You can see where all the money was spent.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Just looking at the budgets from the past five years really don’t paint the full picture. If you look at each years budget they show a surplus verus what was spent.
Does this really mean that they need to add increases on a regular basis?
I think it is not wise to increase rates when we have so many people out of work.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:58 am
How about the city use some of the money they get from this tax hike to buy better tape to stick things to our doors. Yes, I missed payment on our water bill ONE month and the next month we found a notice in the ice on our driveway that said our water would be shut off on Wednesday. Which was the next day. Seriously, over a $40 bill? And then you would charge 50 or 75 to turn it back on. Give me a call if it’s late and you really need my $40, or realize that it’s Christmas time and it probably just slipped in with all of the other mail we get and got overlooked.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Why don’t we spend a little of our tax money on the roads in this town…..They are a joke, worst small town roads in Southeast South Dakota, I bet. I have not seen asphalt being put down in the older neighborhoods for years. Hope the city can address that problem soon…my water works just fine, we do not need a new water tower….
February 8th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Why a tax hike when we seem to have alot of disposable income in the city treasury - enough to keep our “retired” finance officer on as a “consultant” to develop a city street light program? And enough disposable income to put commercials on TV?
February 13th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
After the cost over run on the food pantry by over a 100% we are going to trust these people with more of our tax dollars?
Come people of Brandon wake up.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Why are the citizens of Brandon paying to provide the Chamber with an office? This is a business organization not a community organization, so why are citizens helping the Chamber pay for it’s drinking events?
February 15th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
To #11: It’s in the taxpayers’ best interest to promote the Chamber. Why? Because the Chamber promotes business. The better the businesses do, the more sales tax money goes into the city’s general fund. Sales tax income is a significant portion of the city’s annual budget.
That might explain why the city helps the Chamber pay for its office. I’m not sure what drinking events you are referring to, though.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:22 am
So, what your saying is that I have to pay taxes to help allow the Chamber of Commerece to advertise to me to “Buy Brandon”. If you look at all the chamber events on their website they are mostly mixers and parties to allow the businesses to “network”. What I am saying is during these times, if they can afford to have those, they can pay their own lease.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:56 am
To #13: Usually, the host business pays for the snacks at the mixers.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
I’ve been involved with the Brandon Chamber for nearly a decade, and I want to clear up some misconceptions that are occurring on this thread.
The chamber coordinates many events and meetings for its members. Most gatherings are committee meetings that involve planning for the betterment of Brandon residents and the business community.
Yes, there are many chamber mixers, but the hosting business pays for the food and beverages, not the chamber or city. Businesses like hosting mixers so they can showcase their products and services. Members like attending mixers so they can trade ideas and experiences with others in the business community. During the annual banquet and Christmas party a cash bar is available. Attendees purchase their own beverages.
Also, promoting Buy Brandon to residents is very important. Sales tax funds a large portion of the city’s budget, which includes parks, police, the fire department, snow removal, and much more. So it certainly is in the city’s best interest to support the chamber and the Buy Brandon message.
The television commercials are designed to create a favorable image of Brandon so businesses and families consider locating here. Growth is vital to maintaining a strong community.