Here are some of my comments (from facebook) about the City of Oxnard utility rate meetings and process.
“City of Oxnard, Utility Rate Increase advisory panel meeting was last night (Feb 15, 2017). I attended last night as a member of the public and interested party since our family has a business in Oxnard. My impression is: 1) city management was trying very hard to get an aggressive rate increase, and then 2) the public got involved thanks to Measure M and Aaron Starr. 3) Now the City isn’t trying to get the same aggressive rate increase as before. 4) Now the City management’s main objective is to prevent release of the Rate Study that their recommendations are based on (illegal), 5) and if they can’t prevent the release of the Rate Study, to prevent discussion of the Rate Study. 6) it seems the City had been padding the utilities rates and forwarding the proceeds to the general fund, which is illegal. 7) the City is stealing, breaking the law and trying to hide it.”
“City of Oxnard Rate Increase. City Manager Greg Nyhoff should not have been on the agenda at all. His comments were irrelevant (admittedly) and his role very limited. His role at last nights (3rd meeting) was to obstruct by taking time out of a meeting that was already destined to go late. He did the public a disservice by speaking for 30 MINUTES about NOTHING knowing how packed the agenda was. Remaining panelists and City Staff were unable to complete their questions and presentations as a result. This is further evidence that City Staff is trying to orchestrate an outcome with as little public participation as possible. But why?”
Here are some articles from VC Star to give some additional context.
Also, check out MovingOxnardForward.org for more info.