PH-3 18-0565 An Ordinance to Amend Sections 2:61 through 2:64, and 2:69, and to Repeal Section 2:73 of Chapter 29 (Change Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rates) of Title II of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Ordinance No. ORD-18-12)
I ask Council to vote NO on the proposed change in water rates because of lack of adequate notice to the community of a substantial change that will occur over time, and the inequity of the proposal with respect to all users of water. It does not make sense to layer increases of water rates on single family homes, shifting the expense from other users to a specific group. I understand that the consultant lacked information on the peak use by commercial and multifamily users. Please address that point specifically. I suggest that all users be charged a flat fee based on unit of use, so that those who use more will be charged more, and ideally will adjust their use accordingly. Staff can monitor the funding obtained by fees over time, and adjust accordingly, with NOTICE provided to users. Use the mailed water bills to send out information at a minimum. Indirectly related: Protect our water quality. Act to remediate the dioxane plume before we have to find a new source of fresh water.
I ask Council to vote NO on the proposed change in water rates because of lack of adequate notice to the community of a substantial change that will occur over time, and the inequity of the proposal with respect to all users of water. It does not make sense to layer increases of water rates on single family homes, shifting the expense from other users to a specific group. I understand that the consultant lacked information on the peak use by commercial and multifamily users. Please address that point specifically. I suggest that all users be charged a flat fee based on unit of use, so that those who use more will be charged more, and ideally will adjust their use accordingly. Staff can monitor the funding obtained by fees over time, and adjust accordingly, with NOTICE provided to users. Use the mailed water bills to send out information at a minimum. Indirectly related: Protect our water quality. Act to remediate the dioxane plume before we have to find a new source of fresh water.