In 1981, martial law was imposed as communism was on the verge of collapse in Poland. Thousands were subsequently imprisoned. To improve their lives, Teresa and Chris Wlodyka left their homeland behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t agree with the communist regime,\u201d explained Chris Wlodyka. \u201cWe got political asylum here in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1982, the couple landed on the shores of Norfolk, Va., with their 4-year-old daughter. The couple eventually relocated to Chicago, where he found a manufacturing job. She learned English and obtained a nursing degree.<\/p>\n
Then in 1996, they moved to Cortez, where they took out a 30-year mortgage to purchase the Tomahawk Lodge. They worked to remodel the 37-room lodge and turn their American dream into reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cTimes were good, but we\u2019re afraid it all may end soon,\u201d said Teresa Wlodyka.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Teresa Wlodyka shared her fears with the Cortez Sanitation District, telling board members the new rate structure they imposed this year could force her and her husband onto the streets.<\/p>\n
Last year, the Tomahawk Lodge paid about $1,500 in sewer fees. This year, the motel is forecast to pay more than $6,000, an increase of 300 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re doing our best to stay in business,\u201d Teresa Wlodyka told board members.<\/p>\n
Lodgers lodge complaints<\/p>\n
Wlodyka was one of six local hotel and RV park business owners who complained to CSD board members Monday, April 14 about steep sewer rate increases. All the lodgers present indicated the rate hikes could possibly close their doors.<\/p>\n
\u201cPut yourself in my shoes,\u201d Wlodyka said. \u201cFigure out something that is fair to everyone. I know you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
CSD board member John Stramel said sewer rates were not increased, but rather adjusted because of inaccurate billing data provided by the city. Using 20-year-old national averages, CSD board members approved a rate structure based on capacity rather than consumption for its commercial customers effective Jan. 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I were a business owner, I\u2019d be grateful for all the years I paid less,\u201d replied Stramel to Wlodyka and other lodgers\u2019 concerns about increased rates.<\/p>\n
According to a CSD report, the nonprofit utility company provides sewer service to a total of 15 area hotels. Total rates increased by an average of 90 percent for 13 of those lodgers.<\/p>\n
CSD board president Dave Waters said rates could only be adjusted if business owners provided a \u201clegitimate reason.\u201d The current rates were set to provide businesses with the capability to use sewer services, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to maintain our capacity,\u201d Waters said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should be willing to listen to your customers,\u201d replied Wlodyka. \u201cHelp our small businesses to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re trying to do,\u201d Waters responded. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to be fair, and charge every hotel the same rate to meet capacity demands.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rates explained<\/p>\n
Under the new CSD rate structure, 2014 commercial sewer fees are determined based on six different classifications.<\/p>\n
While most business rates are based on square footage, hotel fees are linked to total number of units, hospital charges are connected to total number of beds and schools and day cares are subject to total student capacity.<\/p>\n
New rates for The Cortez Journal are determined based on total number of employees.<\/p>\n
CSD approved the rate hike after a $25,000 engineering study, which suggested commercial customers be awarded a Single Family Equivalency (SFE) ratio based on 1994 American Water Works Association guidelines.<\/p>\n
The SFE ratio is multiplied by the square footage, number of employees or number of beds, for example, which is then multiplied by $30 to determine the business\u2019s monthly sewer rate.<\/p>\n
Under the new rate structure, CSD projects to collect more than $2.1 million in service fees in 2014, an increase of more than $77,000 over 2013 revenues. CSD\u2019s total operating expenditures in 2014 are projected at nearly $1.6 million.<\/p>\n
No solution<\/p>\n
Last month, CSD district manager Tim Krebs suggested board members adopt an across-the-board 25 percent rate discount for all hotel customers during off-season months. The reduction would help restore rates to historic levels, Krebs said.<\/p>\n
CSD board members, however, shelved the idea, and have consistently refused to offer any concessions to hotel owners. They even failed to respond at all Monday when Wlodyka requested a timeline for any future relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to remain optimistic, but I\u2019m getting tired,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s an injustice.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the Wlodykas, their only solace is knowing their daughter, now a doctor in Wisconsin, still has the opportunity to improve her life and that of their two grandchildren.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least for our daughter, this country provided her dreams,\u201d said Teresa Wlodyka.<\/p>\n