The Information Management and Technology Committee is conducting an online rate survey which involves compiling water rate information from community water supplies across the State of Michigan.  The last survey was completed in 2003.  I’m sure that many of your customers or your local public officials have asked how your utility rates compare to other communities at the local level or even at the state and national levels.  While it is fairly easy to find current rate information for some of the largest utilities in the State of Michigan, what is lacking is a comprehensive resource for finding rate information for smaller communities and public water supply systems.

No one likes to increase their utility rates, but the justification process can be made much less complicated and it is easier to win community support if you can demonstrate to your customers that you are delivering a quality product at a competitive rate.  We know that as a manager or supervisor in the water  utility business that you have probably been asked numerous times to participate in different rate surveys, and we understand that your time is very valuable.  It is our goal to make the survey process as quick and painless as possible. For this reason we are asking that you complete our survey online.  The online format will allow you to complete the survey at your convenience either from the office or at home.

Every utility that completes the survey will receive a compiled results report which we hope to have completed before the annual conference in September 2008.  In order to meet that timetable, we would ask that you please complete the survey by no later than April 30, 2008.  Additionally we will be awarding an IPod Touch to one lucky person to be selected at random from all of the surveys returned.  So be the first to submit rate information from your utility to get entered into the drawing.