The high cost of water

Published 12:24 pm Wednesday, August 27, 2014

This is not my first letter on this subject but a continuation of my feelings on this matter. I have repeatedly written Mayor Nancy Backus regarding this matter, and I get an explanation but nothing to my satisfaction. Just double-talk.

I even went so far as to ask her if a special dispensation could be made or maybe she and the City Council could pass a special ordinance, whereby during the “hot blistering” summer months the water rates could be reduced so as to allow us residents to water our yards and plants and not receive an enormous water bill.

Am I the only one in Auburn that is angry about a high water bill and the added charges each and every month? Mayor Nancy said that much to her chagrin her husband would allow her to water their front lawn but not the back – because of the cost perhaps? I have to laugh at that.

Actually, in addition to paying these water rates, I would like to know where all this money is going. Again, no explanation.

Multiply the added charges by all the households in Auburn, and that amounts to a lot of revenue each month. Is our money going to repair the roads in this town? I think not. Is our money going to build a new community center? Perhaps, that may be it.

Just as an example and my last word on this: on a $136.55 bill, only $40.32 was for water consumption, which means $96.23 was for other. I’m really tired of paying for other charges, and I would hope that you all out there are, too.

– Jeanne Herold