Editorials

Water Rates

PAYING MORE for water is often times tough to swallow. But it is made more palatable when the increase is justifiable and needed for the good of the community.

Water rates will be rising in the Village of Bridgeport come July 1. This is no common occurrence in the Bulldog community as the last water hike took place more than eight years ago.

The increase is even easier for Bridgeport residents to stomach when realizing the new rates will still be lower than most surrounding communities that have similar systems.

Just as importantly, village council opted to raise the water rates for all the correct reasons.

The extra revenue generated from the new rate structure will not be used for employees’ salaries. If such was the case, we would harbor reservations for the need to hike the fees.

The increased money flow will instead be utilized for several purposes, such as assisting with covering operating costs, including maintenance projects and the purchase of chemicals. The funding boost will also help with debt retirement.

The move by village council was also necessitated by the water department’s inability on more than one occasion to meet its operating costs.

Council members have already been asked to transfer monies to stop the leaking red ink the water department was experiencing. The new higher rates will avoid repeat action.

In recent years, Bridgeport officials have exhibited great fiscal responsibility, managing their resources quite efficiently. We see the water rate increase as another display of effective leadership.

Letters to the Editor

Water rates

Dear Editor,

On Monday, June 21 at 6 p.m., Bridgeport Village Council will have the third reading on an ordinance, that will increase the base water rate for most residents $5.

Along with the base rate increase, those customers who use more than the base allotment of 7500 gallons will also see an additional increase on their bill.

Customers using between 7,500 and 24,999 gallons will see the overage charge jump from $2.50 to $4 per gallon over the allotted amount. Businesses and other water customers will also see the same 33.9% according to the size of their water meter and water usage.

This increase will effect all customers of the Bridgeport Water Department, which includes the villages of Bridgeport and Brookside. To simplify this, I will use my bill as an example.

At the last meter reading I used approximately 16,600 gallons. Under the current billing system my bill was, $54.60, under the proposed new rates my bill would have been $73.25. These increases will take effect July 1, if this ordinance passes.

The proposers of this ordinance, cite the need of an increase to pay for maintenance of the wells and pumps, vehicle maintenance/replacement and employee wage increases. I encourage all residents and/ or water customers, who may have questions regarding this matter to attend the council meeting and have your questions addressed by all of council. If you cannot attend the meeting, I encourage you to contact one of the village councilmen to have your concerns addressed.

The council members are Dave Coyne, Howard Porter, Richard Riley, Marvin Husarik, Ben Lenz and Dave Smith. Outside of this issue, I encourage all residents to attend the village council meetings and take an active part within your village. Village council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the municipal building.

Thank You

David W. Smith

Councilman

Village of Bridgeport