LEOMINSTER-- A proposed 40-cent increase in water rates drew lively debate from members of the City Council, as well as some pithy comments from residents who opposed the plan. The increase would raise rates from $1.75 to $2.15 effective Jan. 1.And why are we facing such a high rate increase? Apparently it's because we're not using enough water:
Joseph Corliss, a former councilor who spoke during the public forum of the council meeting, said he was curious to see that several councilors had bought bottled water from a vending machine nearby the council chambers.
"Why don't you get your water from a bubbler? [a bubblah! Ha!] It's probably because you've been reading the same reports we have about the water we have," Mr. Corliss said. He referred to deficiency reports the city has been required to send out about inadequate treatment of the water because of the lack of a treatment plant at one of the city's reservoirs.
During a public hearing on the rate increase, Roger H. Brooks, Department of Public Works business manager, told the council the increase was needed because of declining consumption and pending expenses necessary to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, as well as other anticipated increases.Now if anything speaks to the inefficiency of government, that is it. In the real world, when supply outpaces demand, the price goes down. But in the city of Leominster, apparently the price goes up. Way up.
Mr. Brooks said two years of exceptionally rainy weather have caused people to use less water; as a consequence, revenues for the department have fallen. Mr. Brooks said, on average, this region receives about 40 inches of rain. In 2005, it received 61 inches of rain, and so far this year, 54.66 inches.
Not that I should complain too much. While a 23% increase is significant, I'll still be paying about one-fifth of what an MWRA customer pays. Maybe I'll use the money I save on another case of Poland Spring.
Tags: Massachusetts Leominster MWRA Rates
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