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Editor, Index-Tribune:
We recently received in the mail a notice from the city regarding a proposed new, five-year program of increases in the water rates we pay, and notification that a public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.
However, if you read toward the bottom of the notice, as my wife so astutely pointed out, you can submit a written letter protesting the rate hike. The notification continues to inform us that, “If written protests are presented on behalf of a majority of the parcels on which the water fees and charges are to be increased, the City Council will not impose the increases in the water use rate.”
Well, doesn’t this sound like a ‘vote’ without having to go through the process of putting it on the ballot?
Kathy Aanestad
Sonoma
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This rate hike is so ridiculous. It is the service charge that doubles my bill. I live in a 1000 square foot home-my bill is about 40.00 to 50.00 dollars, but the serivce charge is 37.00. I have contacted other water agencies and they are amazed at the cost of this service charge. Please Sonoma folks protest this rate hike by writing a letter or showing up on Sept. 17th at 6:00 PM. Maybe if we all stop paying for a few months it would make a difference. Do not sit back and let this happen-families are having a hard time as it is to make ends meet.
I agree that service charge is too much considering that they just drive down the street and wirelessly picking up meter readings. I also question the accuracy of the wireless data collection. The water usage graph on my bill seems to show the same measurements after I cut down lawn watering. I'll write an be there in september.