Hickman County Judge/Executive Greg Pruitt appeared before members of the Public Service Commission last Wednesday in Frankfort with a request on behalf of the Clinton water customers of Utilities Inc. Pruitt thanked the commission for coming to Clinton August 13, where they heard comments from a number of Utilities Inc. customers at a hearing held in the Hickman County Courthouse. Pruitt repeated, for the benefit of the Public Commission officials who weren’t at the Clinton meeting, some of the circumstances involving very high bills and improper billing. He asked the commission to give Utilities Inc. no more increase than absolutely necessary to maintain an improved and safe water system.
“Both the Attorney General’s Office and the Public Service Commission legal staff did an excellent job in pointing out reasons that a 51 percent increase is much too high,” Pruitt said following the meeting.
He continued, “They cited facts like every corporate salary at Utilities Inc. is charged partially to the Clinton system, and that their board has held three-hour board meetings in destinations like Las Vegas, as well as company holiday gatherings and parties.” Pruitt noted that the Clinton system has paid its prorated share of that as well.
The hearing concluded Wednesday afternoon. Next, all parties will submit written briefs arguing their various positions to the PSC, and it will likely be six- 12 weeks before the PSC gives its final ruling.
The August 19 hearing can be viewed online on the Kentucky Public Service Commission website: http://psc.ky.gov. Scroll down the left menu to “Video- PSC WebCast.” Click on PSC Video Library. Click on 2008-00563 Water Service Corporation Kentucky, Aug. 19, 2009. Video links will be removed 60 days after the case is closed.
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