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classifications includes Luray exr change where an interim common' battery rate schedule is to apply until that exchange is converted to dial; operaiort, after which Luray and Shenandoah will be in the same flat rate calling area. “Continued rising costs of providing service make its adjustment necessary at the earliest possible date,” Mr. Garnett said. “The principal items which affect costs are the continuing higher wage levels incident to inflation and the much higher investment in .telephone plant required under todays conditions to serve any given number of telephones.”
“It has been necessary,” he said “to grant substantial wage increases each year in keeping with the Company’s policy to keep wages in line with those paid for jobs requiring! similar skill in other industries in the communities we serve. Good telephone service requires good people and wage levels must be high enough to attract and keep them.”
“However” Garnett said “since payroll expense represents nearly two-thirds of the Company’s operating costs each general wage increase drastically affects the Company’s cost of furnishing service, and reduces the amount available for carrying the ever-increasing investment in telephone plant .required in this State.”
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