Let’s talk utility rates, mayor’s request

The Westminster mayor is calling for a special meeting, a meeting of the minds to come to grips with the problems that beset the city’s electric power service. In recent weeks, the city has been criticized for interruptions to the service. And last night Mayor Brian Ramey called for a retreat-type meeting for the city’s elected leaders to decide, among other things, if a rate increase would be the preferred method to generate revenue to pay for improvements to the service. While there’s agreement talk is needed, there are some on council reluctant to raise rates any higher than their current levels. Councilwoman Susan Ramey said she’d like to research to determine if there are any grants available to correct the city’s electric service problems. Last night the council also agreed to apply for a loan to retro-fit pumps at the water treatment plant “as a means to achieve energy savings for pumping costs.”