MorseforMayorCommittee|P.O.Box182,Holyoke,MA01041|www.morseformayor.

com|
amorse@morseformayor.com|4135384924

Mayor Morse Sets the Record Straight

MYTH: There is currently a stormwater fee in place and residents are
about to get a bill.
FACT: There is no stormwater fee and no order to implement one in front
of the City Council. To date, the Council has only received a
recommendation to review a fee as an option during the budget process.
In order for a fee to be implemented, a councilor would have to file an
order. Mayor Morse and his administration made this recommendation
because we need leaders who are willing to discuss ideas, no matter how
unpopular, rather than ignoring issues that are over 10 years old.
MYTH: The contract we have with the private operator of the sewer plant
is costing the city money.
FACT: The contract with United Water is well managed, cost controlled
and pays for itself. Through the diligent work of Mayor Morse and his
administration, the sewer fund has reduced operating expenses, helping
to reduce the overall budget deficit.
MYTH: Collecting 100% of unpaid sewer bills would close the sewer
funds deficit.
FACT: The deficit on the sewer fund is made up of debt from bonds
needed to address an unfunded federal mandate. Right now the amount is
about $1.3 million dollars a year. Mayor Morse and his administration have
been aggressively working with the EPA to give us a waiver to allow more
time.
MYTH: We are not able to collect the unpaid sewer bills because we cant
shut off peoples water.
FACT: Any uncollected sewer fees are able to be collected in the following
year, using the tax lien process. Mayor Morse and his administration have
been aggressive in collecting past due amounts, bringing in over $1.7
million in previously unpaid fees.

Bold Leadership | Passion | Vision

Information required by state law for contributions of $200 or more per calendar year. Any
individual may contribute $1,000 per calendar year. State law prohibits corporate
contributions.
Paid for by Alex Morse for Mayor, Rosa Pantoja, Treasurer. Printed In House.

MorseforMayorCommittee|P.O.Box182,Holyoke,MA01041|www.morseformayor.com|
amorse@morseformayor.com|4135384924

MYTH: The Mayor doesnt support the special act in front of the state
legislature that would allow for water to be shut off due to unpaid sewer
bills.
FACT: The Mayor supports this act and has communicated his support to
the legislature and our state delegation many times. However, there are
concerns about this act and the state has recommended that we adopt
40N, a state law that would combine our water and sewer departments.
This would not only allow for better collections, but potentially save
taxpayer money through increased efficiency. The Mayor has asked the
Council a number of times to adopt this, but they refuse to even take it up
for debate.

Bold Leadership | Passion | Vision

Information required by state law for contributions of $200 or more per calendar year. Any
individual may contribute $1,000 per calendar year. State law prohibits corporate
contributions.
Paid for by Alex Morse for Mayor, Rosa Pantoja, Treasurer. Printed In House.