MEMORY IS AN ASSET

It's amazing how much a memory stores. Yesterday, I re-called the evening the Chief Financial,Officer stalked out of a council meeting. 

The issue being discussed was annual increases to water rates.

I cited  that water is a public utility. It is also publicly owned natural resource. 

I drew comparison with other utilities and noted 

Corporations such as hydro, natural gas, radio,

television and telephone are all compelled to seek approval and provide justification for increases to rates. 

I suggested a total  lack of justification would not be well received by the government agency charged with responsibility for giving approvals. 

At that point the treasurer it seemed  perceived he had been maligned and with a few pointed words along those lines, took his leave.

The Mayor turned in my direction apparently seeking a response to the treasurer's discomfiture. 

I suggested the video tape be viewed with particular attention to audio. A recess followed presumably to do just that. The CAO circled the table and the other directors left. 

The CFO returned to the table at the next meeting. He apologized to Council for his precipitate departure of the previous week. 

I never received an apology. 

But more significantly, neither did I ever receive a satisfactory explanation of why the price of water continued to escalate at an exorbitant rate each and every year.