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-2- for many days or even weeks are not gathered due to such things as computer problems, clogged meters and/or other problems. During these times , which are very frequent,. the flows (and thus charges) are estimated .by Metro Waste staff. We don' t believe that when the benefit of the doubt is assigned, that it is in our favor very often. The attached chart shows flows for 1983 versus total gallons pumped from the ground by the City. It is absolutely amazing that in January, February, March, November and December, the gallons of sewage metered could greatly excel what we have- put into the system. If these were periods of rainy weather or strong/heavy snow melt which infiltrated the system, some reason for this high flow could be given. We are very interested in what other explanation Metro Waste can give for such high flows. 2. We have also been regularly criticized by .Metro Waste staff that our system whows high levels of inflow (basically due to connections with- residential footing tile and sumps) . We are painfully aware of the problem, and in fact, Metro Waste assisted us several years ago with funds to study the problem. They seem to have already forgotten that the conclusion of the report is that cor- rection of the inflow problem is not an economically cost effective solution, and is thus not eligible for any funding assistance. 3. We are also concerned about the long history of lack of accountability of the Metro Waste Control Commission to the rate payers which is the cities them- selves. Their budgets, as I have previously illustrated (statistics are attached) have skyrocketed, their staff levels seem to be mushrooming and to be out of control . Personnel costs and benefits have been studied and are also out of control and far above any other governmental agencies in the State of Minnesota. To summarize, we feel that the major issues are: A. Reliability of metering; B. local accountability to local government units ; and C. lack of cost control and intelligent financial decision making. Please be tough with your questions while at the same time realizing that the people appearing before us are new to their jobs and have improved our relationships 100% just by agreeing to appear before us tonight.