Locals have own tricks

EDITOR:

We have just returned from a National Geographical Expedition to find out that the president of our homeowners association informed you, not under oath, that we wanted fixed rates for water usage rather than metered rates from your wonderful water system. This letter is to inform you that not all owners agree with that statement and this is one set who strongly oppose that statement or wish. Here are some of the reasons.

Firstly, in checking with your water department we found that the people who answer your water questions did not know what units your new bills indicated by the numbers thereon. We find that very disturbing for an organization that is proposing huge increases in water rates using large monies for outside experts to present information as poorly and with little backup. We believe they did not demonstrate professional engineering competence or knowledge. We believe this is also true of your staff. You are "stuffing down our throats" poor work, discrepancies, incompetence, and lack of responsibility to get someone else to compensate for your failures to act responsibly. You knew what you were willfully doing at the time of acceptance. You and your people do not know their jobs. Secondly, our meter readings indicate we use about 22,000 gallons per month, not the high figures your staff and experts testified to you. These figures meet the average use over the United States. We shall not willingly pay for other people's excessive use, but will be happy to pay for our uses only. Thirdly, your system does not serve our residence properly. Fourthly, you do not keep up the appearance of your well sites in accordance with today's environmental standards.

In short, you do not need to go to Washington, D.C. to learn tricks. You have enough of your own already. To propose water usage costs equivalent to our high property taxes is a first in this nation I would wager.

Harold L. Johnson

Sheridan