The Town Board and town staff have accomplished and overcome a lot this past five months. I am cautiously optimistic that we are moving in the right direction, but we still face some uncertainties. 

We have been working to improve the morale and functioning of the staff, and to improve existing policies and create new procedures where they were lacking. The working relationship between the Town Board and staff is improving. 

We have increased the level of vigilance and oversight of our financial records so that we do not repeat the same problems of the past. 

We have worked to improve the transparency of town government by setting predictable meeting dates for all Town Board committees, assigning staff to each committee, and ensuring that followup on issues occurs in a timely fashion. 

We still face a number of challenges, but we are proactively looking for solutions, and welcome constructive input. 

Utility billing has perhaps been the biggest issue not just for the town, but for all utility customers. The inconsistency in utility billing over the last two years has created confusion and even anger for many people.  

With everyone’s help, we are moving forward, trying to improve the utility billing system. Since May 2007 we have accomplished the following:

• Verified and corrected all utility accounts to ensure billing is done in accordance with Town Code

• Successfully billed all four quarters for 2007 getting the utility billing system back on track

• Worked with individuals to understand their utility bills and identify any discrepancies with their utility bill

• Installed 95 percent of new water  meters throughout Silverton

• Audited 2006 utility billings to determine what was incorrect

• Sent notifications to all 2006 utility customers affected by incorrect billing in 2006
Looking toward the end of 2007 and into 2008, we have a number of issues that still need to be addressed for utility billing. More change in how and when we issue utility bills will be coming your way.  Following are some of the issues that must be addressed.

The reserves for water, sewer, and refuse are dangerously low.  Without adequate reserves, we will not be able to address emergencies that arise. The town must rebuild its reserves, and the Town Board has dedicated 2008 to doing so.

Beginning in 2008, we will move to a monthly METERED billing system. The town has not yet set the new metered water and sewer rates for 2008. The town hopes to conduct a rate study in the next two months to help set rates and ensure that we can rebuild our reserves, cover the true costs of operating a water and sewer plant, and cover the true costs of providing trash service.

We are working to create a smooth transition from our current quarterly billing system to a monthly billing system.  Your input and patience will be critical during this time of transition.

We face other challenges moving forward as well.  Key members of the town staff are learning their new positions. We are investing significant time in training and working to improve the level of service we provide to each of you.  We have a lot of room to grow in providing customer service, but are dedicated to the effort.  Over the next few months we would like to hear from you on how we can:

• Better inform the community of Town meetings

• Find ways to get broader community participation and discussion

• Ensure consistent customer service

We also ask that you contact us immediately if you have any questions or concerns.  I would especially like to thank Gilbert Archuleta, Anita Steck, and Chris Tookey for their patience, support, and help as we have worked to improve Silverton town government.

Elyse Salazar is Silverton town administrator.