[Vision2020] response to crabtree

[roger hayes]

>

And that is why the deal was rushed into and made behind closed doors 
with no community input. Again, this deal violates the "social 
contract" between residents and Moscow businesses, and is most likely 
illegal. Additionally, if one reads the "Agreement" one will find that 
the language clearly sets rates at the same as "similarly situated 
businesses." No gain there. Just loss for the rate payers.

> $3,217,975.00 for water and 2,738,604.00 for sewer comes a lot closer 
> to
> being 6 million. My point remains the same. Not one penny of that 
> amount
> will be covered by the taxpayers of the City of Moscow. (the dreaded
> subsidy) While you were at the Whitman Co. site I assume that you also 
> took
> a look at the Preliminary Development Agreement I referred to 
> previously. In
> it you will note that Whitman Co. is ready, willing, and able to float 
> the
> bond necessary to make the Hawkins development happen whether or not 
> Moscow
> steps up and provides "an alternative source." It also makes no 
> mention of
> reducing the amount of the bond should this happen although, in all
> likelihood, it would. By refusing to partner with our Pullman 
> neighbors we
> do absolutely nothing to hinder the shopping center you so abhor and 
> succeed
> in depriving Moscow rate payers of a very significant amount of money. 
> The
> only thing that Moscow is "giving away" is the exact same water that 
> would
> have been pumped either way and placing a slightly greater burden on 
> our
> existing waste water facility. We gain by having Hawkins/Whitman in the
> revenue pipeline to help pay for any future upgrades to these systems 
> that
> may be required. The choice for our city government was obvious, come 
> to the
> table and enjoy its measure or stand back and look on longingly while
> licking its ravenous chops. Either way, supper was served.