Protesting an increase to water service charge

Ed. Note: This was sent to the Laguna Beach County Water District

I would like to submit a written protest against the amount of the proposed service charge increase. Here is my perspective: I obtained a 2" meter for my new home in 2003. The service charge was approximately $60. Then, in 2005, the service charge was increased by $40 to $100, a 67 percent increase.

Now the board is proposing a 73 percent increase. If approved, that will result in an increase of over 188 percent over a five-year period.

The rationale for a service charge has always been that the service charge is to provide moneys for the distribution system, and that the use charge paid for the water. Well, the distribution system is in place.

Let's raise the use charge and not increase the service charge for something that is already in place.

Rory Bertaina Laguna Beach