The Truth about Utilities
The City of Georgetown lives off its utilities. Over the last four years, the city budget without utilities has grown by 24%. The city budget with utilities has grown 46%.
The amount homeowners pay has grown by over 50% in four years. (See attached charts)
While the current administration is raising the residential utility rates in 8 different categories, they have also embarked on an 8-million-dollar project to consolidate the utilities under one roof. This is on top of the almost 6 million dollars they are spending on a new city hall. Furthermore, the city has also bought numerous new vehicles running into millions of dollars.
During the 2024 fiscal year, the number of shut-offs for non-payment was 3410. The city only had 5369 customers that year. Even though some customers were shut off multiple times, the high ratio is, to say the least, alarming.
Another item of interest; the city taxed its own utilities to the tune of $1,500,000.00 in 2024. At the same time, Liberty Steel paid $5000.00 in taxes. It is called a payment in lieu of taxes.
In conclusion, the current administration is spending money by borrowing and raising rates. They are doing this at a time when many people have lost their jobs and are hurting.
These are just a few of the facts I’ve uncovered while looking at how this city operates. This why I felt compelled to run for mayor. This is your city; you are ultimately responsible for how this city is run. If you think your vote is not important, think again.
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