With every meeting the questions on UTOPIA and the so called savior for the towns, Macquarie, grows deeper. In towns across the state those involved in the disastrous UTOPIA search to find the best answers for their towns. Brigham City’s Mayor Vincent has stated previously that the City is working hard to provide the best options for the City in the most cost effective manner. It seems all of the cities from Provo to Brigham City are stuck with the problems the original UTOPIA deal has caused.
For some, it seems like the next best step is to take step two with Macquarie. However, it must be asked—why is Macquarie in such a rush to keep it to 60 days if it is such a good deal for the cities? Councilwoman Ruth Jensen asked that very question in a May Brigham City meeting. Also, why the secrecy? If it truly is a benefit to the cities, why not give the cities all the information now? Macquarie is requiring the cities to sign onto step two before they will give them more information.
Citizens need to ask themselves what Macquarie really wants. After all, they have fully admitted they are not taking a risk. That falls on the City, and consequently, on the taxpayers’ backs. They are not a charitable institution, so why come halfway across the globe from Australia to “save us.” It might be a good time to question their motives. After all, it would appear from every angle that UTOPIA is going to bring in a real monopoly like you have never seen in the telecommunications industry. You HAVE to buy the service whether you need it or want it and you HAVE to pick from their list of providers if you want the service. Practices like those might seriously put a damper on the free market. So what does Macquarie gain? Money! They are a bank, plain and simple.
Mr. Steve Allen, who has spent the last 50 years in the telecommunications industry, states in a letter, “They are adding money lenders (whom they call investors) that must be repaid at a set interest rate.” He goes on to state that Macquarie is a bank and not a utility company. So the question must be asked: should we cut our losses and get out of UTOPIA now? Provo did at a loss of $40 million. Perhaps it is time for Brigham City to do the same. Cut the losses and get out now. Why continue to make the taxpayers pay for a program that is not good for the whole? After all, if you really love UTOPIA, you can still opt to hook into the system if you think it is worth the money. It is not right or fair to impose your wants on your neighbor! There will be much more to report as cities are moving very fast to vote on the Macquarie proposal since they were given only 60 days to decide.
Lindon and Payson have both declined the Macquarie offer. Brigham City held a meeting on June 19th where it was standing room only. Many citizens voiced opposition to continuing to step 2 with Macquarie, especially since it would cost approximately $30,000 to do so. However, at the end of the night, it was 3-2 in favor of proceeding. In addition to approving the Macquarie deal, Brigham City approved a 10 percent increase on storm drains and a 5 percent increase on electric. This leaves citizens wondering how bad the sticker shock will be by the time it is all said and done. Many on fixed incomes voiced concern over increased in utility costs that will come with Macquarie.
Perry City is also considering options concerning UTOPIA. While Sentinel News tried to contact the mayor and several council members of Perry, they were unavailable for comment.
