The Walsenburg Gas Department

 The Walsenburg Gas Department

I have been researching how we got to the present situation where we are paying for a 150% increase in gas prices here.  There are stated reasons for the increase.  It has been a long time since we had an increase since 2018.  The price of natural gas is increasing because of demand in Europe and China.  All of this doesn't resonate well when you are facing sub-zero temperatures in Walsenburg.  

I am checking the Council minutes to see if anyone raised a single objection to the increase.  Back in 2016 there was an uprising over a small increase. At that time the question was raised about the gas department loaning money to other departments in the city.  Have these loans been paid off?  If not, were they factored into the need for the present increase.  

Is anyone on the city council representing the citizens of Walsenburg? Most votes in the council are 100% yes.  How can there always be a unanimous vote?  

I digress.  The question arises about disconnects for non-payment. Recently, I became aware of a disconnect for non-payment within a couple of days after a bill was sent out.  According the Muni ordinance, there would be a minimum of 30 days before a disconnect could be done.  This would need to be preceded by a hand delivered notice or a 1st class mail notice of impending disconnect.  

Nobody's perfect.  We all make mistakes, but some mistakes can result in misery for people who are without heat in winter.