April 4, 2001 - Water Advisory Committee (Water Contractors) meeting notes by A Concerned Citizen Randy told the contractors that the proposed SCWA rates will cover only O&M charges and a small reserve, and will not rise 6% but 19%. Water Conservation and Recycling are considered 'discretionary funds' and will have to be covered by the contractors. Santa Rosa conservation tax money from last year will NOT be available for Santa Rosa. There was much unhappiness in the room. Randy would not delay Kawana springs tank and Wohler #6 project until next budget year. He also refused to tap the reserve fund. He said increased rates are a result of increased power costs in effect now, and further increases anticipated this summer. Large power users( water districts) will be hit with increases of 40%, and possibly up to 600% in peak summer periods, plus blackouts. The budget will go to the BOS on April 17, Randy will try to make it time certain for 10 am. The WAC will convene in the room across from the BOS chambers at 8:30am on the 17th to come to a consensus to present to the BOS at 10am. The contractors will go back to their cities and districts in the meantime to get the word out and receive instructions  Randy also passed out a sheet showing the lake storage levels, and under the Agency's water rights, water supply conditions are now termed "dry". It was pointed out that cutting water conservation funds is a 'catch 22' condition. Water conservation reduces power demands and saves money as well as water. But Randy was adamant, if the contractors want water conservation funds they will have to raise rates to get them. Be there at 8:30 on the 17th.