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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, March 8, 2000 - Page 5 07ie (sitlzens; Oft Aionticello 07iuhI Often ftetten at Empire Electric want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support that we received at last weeks public meeting. The sentiments that were voiced last week . affirm that Empire Electric is on the right track with stable rates, customer service and reliability. We are proud of the role that we have played in the development of the Monticello community. process is at a critical stage. The decision is completely up to your City Council. Again, we want to make it crystal clear that Empire Electric wants to remain good neighbors in Monticello for the next 20 years. All that has to happen is for the council to elect to NOT buy the electric system. he base case feasibility study presented at the public meetings showed some potential savings. But can the consultant assure you that the same high quality service, response time, and reliability that you have come to expect from Empire will be accomplished at the estimated costs projected in the study? The feasibility study also indicates that with minor changes in a few assumptions, the Citys rates could be more expensive than Empires after a few years. If certain assumptions in the study turn out to be wrong, electric rates may have to be increased sooner than projected. The service may suffer. There are real risks that the lower rates and cash savings may not materialize. does not have to be performed to inform you that there is no risk with Empire cystudy will Electric. You to know our commitment customer service and the community remain strong. We have not raised our rates for 9 years and do not anticipate a rate increase this year. All electric rates are subject to some inflationary pressure, but we have done a good job keeping the rates stable. he City Council has a difficult decision to make March 22, 2000. Suggestions from the public meeting ranged from the Council voting on the issue to a vote from the general public. did not want Empire to be an impediment to the Council considering a public vote so I offered to approach Empires Board to consider extending the deadline to consider the franchise. The Mayor indicated that they would take this under consideration. I Council is still soliciting feedback from their constituents. Again, we encourage you to let your opinions be known to your City Council representatives. Let them know if you want Empire Electric to continue providing service in Monticello. The time is now! Please come forward and voice your opinion. (Jhould there be any questions about the current situation, feel free to contact our Utah or either Neal Stephens or Dave Rightley at Empires office Director, Jack Young at 587-23You can also at Dave at davidrempireelectric.org 85 e-m- ail EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. Neal E. Stephens, General Manager |