Where does the $1.70 per month that utility customers pay for mosquito spraying go? Is the City making money on this program?
Faithful City Beat readers will recall a question in last week’s edition relating to why, when and how the City sprays for mosquitos — prominently featuring restrictions on spraying during rain or windy conditions due to state and federal law. The question-answer came after several of you took to social media to ponder publicly about the lack of spraying this season and the cost of the program versus revenues.
According to the Accounting and Finance Department, only 20 percent (34 cents) of the $1.70 paid monthly by utility customers is allocated for mosquito spraying. The remainder of the amount ($1.36) is allocated for street lighting. The overall average estimated cost for street lighting is $214,000 annually, while the overall estimated annual cost of mosquito spraying is $52,850. These numbers are averages, of course, as it is impossible to predict how many days of the year spraying will be prohibited due to weather conditions. Due to this, costs may be higher or lower on any given year.
Why doesn’t the City give us our money back when they can’t spray as often?
Just as utility customers are not asked to pay more when the costs exceed expectations, neither are they “reimbursed” if the costs are somewhat lower. If you’re wondering which occurs most often, it’s the former.
Surely the chemical used doesn’t cost that much.
Costs associated with the mosquito control program involve not only the chemical that is used but also City personnel to manage and operate the program, vehicles, fuel and the equipment used to apply the chemical.
Why doesn’t the City just use a different chemical — one that doesn’t have those restrictions?
They all have the same restrictions according to EPA regulations.
How come (other government agencies) can spray when you can’t?
We can’t speak for anyone else. We can only tell you the City of Bartlesville very closely adheres to state and federal law in its application of the mosquito control program. That means spraying may not occur when it’s raining or when wind exceeds 10 mph.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 918.338.4131.