The Frankfort Plant Board has narrowly approved a $73.2 million budget that includes a 4 percent pay increase for employees and several rate increases, including 12 percent for water rates starting in 2010.
Vice chairwoman Sheila Burton said she could not vote for the budget if it included the 4 percent increase. She said some would see the move as "arrogant," although the motion passed 3-2 Tuesday.
"These are extraordinary economic times for people that buy from us, and they have to buy from us," Burton said. "Public perception means a whole lot."
Rate increases for the 5-year budget include:
>1.25 percent electric rate increase in January 2009
>4.5 percent for water in January 2010
>7.5 percent for water in January 2012
>$2 for the phone rate in July 2009 and 2012
>$2 for cable modem in July 2010
>$1 for digital cable in July 2009 and 2012
>$2 for security services rate in July 2009 and July 2012
>$1 for basic cable rate every year for five years
The board of directors would be required to hold a public hearing before any rate increases are implemented.
Franklin County employees get a 4 percent pay increase in the new Fiscal Court budget, but the city budget gives employees only 3 percent and the state gives its employees 1 percent. Burton said her "no" vote was not a criticism of Plant Board employees, but reflects her concern about rising costs for customers.
Plant Board policy dictates that cost-of-living pay adjustments be tied to increases in the Urban Consumer Price Index compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The board adopted the budget and 4 percent COLA after chairman Joe Smith introduced a motion urging its passage. Smith asked Burton to take over so he could introduce the motion because Smith prefers not to vote or make motions while acting as chairman.
A previous motion to approve the budget died for lack of a second.
Board members Mike Dudgeon and Ann Wingrove also voted for the budget while Benny Maffet voted against it.
Smith said it's important to ensure that the Plant Board hires and retains qualified employees. If not, future customers will pay for the consequences of poor maintenance and upkeep, Smith said.
Dudgeon said utility employees deserve the increase although he commended Burton and Smith for their courage and conviction.
Finance Director Shannon Taylor said she was opposed to enacting a lower cost-of-living increase because it would hurt morale.
Burton said she could support a 3 percent adjustment, but Taylor said the difference would only be $150,000, not enough to offset any proposed rate increases.