(Milford)– Would you be willing to pay more on your utility bill to keep Boji Bay open? That’s a question Milford residents may soon be facing.
Teh future of the water park north of Milford was the topic at a joint meeting Monday evening of the Milford City Council and Milford Municipal Utilities Board.
Doctor Tim Cocoran, owner of Boji Bay, requested MMU and the city give his business a break on electric and water charges, saying it’s crucial that happens if the attraction is to open its doors in 2005.
While water rates are an issue, an even bigger issue seems to be a 30-thousand dollar a year demand charge the water park is being charged for electicity. That charge covers the cost for providing the infrastructure that’s needed to meet a very high demand when the water park is in operation. Other large users in the city also pay a demand charge. Cocoran requested Boji Bay’s demand charge be reduced or spread out. But Utility Board Chairman Don Brinkley said state code makes it impossible for MMU to do that. And he says there’s an issue of fairness–if they waive or reduce the charge for Boji Bay, they’d have to do the same for other businesses. And he says someone would have to make that up.
After further discussion, Cocoran proposed Boji Bay’s 30-thousand dollar a year demand charge be spread out among all MMU customers. Based on 1,600 customers, Cocoran estimated it would cost each about an additional $1.50 a month…or 18-dollars a year…to ammortize Boji Bay’s demand charge. In return, Cocoran said Boji Bay would offer Milford residents season passes for 12 dollars each. Cocoran urged the utility board and city council to put the matter to a vote of the people, saying if they approve, Boji will stay in operation. If they don’t, Cocoran says they’ll permanently close the water park and move somewhere else.
No action was taken on Cocoran’s proposal Monday evening. The Utilities Board seemed willing to take it under advisement.
Mayor Virg Wahlman said the city council will discuss the matter further at one of its upcoming meetings.
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