GALION — Galion officials have responded to a Facebook post they believe misrepresented a utilities committee meeting from earlier this week.
“Yesterday there was a Facebook post that misrepresented the purpose of a Utilities Committee meeting: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004984456374),” stated a press release issued Friday by Galion communications director Matt Echelberry.
The city has issued the following statement:
The Galion City Council Utilities Committee met and reviewed the electric rate study prepared by Sawvel and Associates, Inc. during its meeting Oct. 4.
The purpose of the study was to provide Council recommendations to balance the City’s Electric Fund. According to Sawvel’s report, it is estimated that this fund will need to see an increase in revenues, along with decreases in expenditures.
“I do not agree with Sawvel’s recommendations and have never endorsed the 8.6 percent rate increase,” said Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary. “Furthermore, I do not believe that such an increase is necessary or advisable. I will continue to look at alternatives to rate increases as I have in the past.”
The Utilities Committee, while not making any recommendations to the full City Council, will meet again to seek consensus on meeting the revenue requirements of the electric fund.
“It’s important for community members to understand that only the City Council can approve changes to the City’s electric rates,” O’Leary said. “The bottom line is we, as the City’s administration, need to work together with City Council to find a solution that is favorable for everyone.”
