Northwest side Councilman Greg Brockhouse says he is a firm 'no' on the San Antonio Water System's request for a ten percent rate increase over two years, saying SAWS should not line the pockets of its well-paid CEO with a massive bonus, and then turn around and demand more cash from its ratepayers, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The bonus awarded to SAWS CEO Robert Puente has become a talking point against the rate increase, with the ability of the SAWS board to manage the revenue it currently has being questioned.
"SAWS leadership and the SAWS board will return to the drawing board and identify cost reductions and other meaningful alternatives to rate increases, adding "raising utility rates should never be a foregone conclusion."
Brockhouse is also calling for an 'independent third party review' of SAWS' budget and governance structure.'
"We are taking too much money from residents ad businesses," he said.. "We must learn to say NO and live within our budget."