Letters and Comments for June 1, 2009

Norman J. Paullus Jr.

City explains brochure decision

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to Steve Thompson’s May 25 letter regarding the city’s Water Quality Report brochure. I feel compelled to address the issue since I’m responsible for the publication of the report and Mr. Thompson raises questions that warrant a response.

I’d like to thank Mr. Thompson for questioning what appears to be an unnecessary and costly expense. However, the perception is not reality. The city is required by regulatory agencies to directly deliver or mail the report as an annual public outreach to address the drinking water system and the quality of the water you drink.

It’s more cost effective to do mailers than to hand-deliver a brochure to every water user. The postal rates are the same for the older version as for the current mailer. The cost for producing the original brochure was $2,980 and required increased staff time in preparation of the information to be mailed. After pricing the original process and comparing it to the new one, the cost has actually been reduced to $2,470, making a cost savings of $510.

While the new brochures appear expensive, they’re actually not. The city also posts the brochure at City Hall, the Public Works Department, the Union County Chamber of Commerce office and on the city’s website.

The new brochures are more appealing and better received by the public. We now receive more comments and questions about the content of the brochure than we ever have, indicating that people are actually reading the material. This is the primary goal of informing the public.

The Public Works Department is always open to new ideas, whether the ideas are regarding this issue or another topic. Anyone with concerns or comments should contact me at 962-1325 so that we can discuss ways that we can better serve the citizens of La Grande.

Norman J. Paullus Jr.

Public Works director