Raising water rates again adds to burden on the poor
I was disappointed to read about the failures occurring at the Lake Townsend dam. I expect the City Council to push, prod and challenge city staff on why they recommend replacing instead of repairing the dam and to publicly evaluate each option with respect to its benefits and costs.
That said, what I found most alarming was reading that the proposed new $50 million dam would be paid for by increasing water usage bills. Based on my records, it appears since 2002 the city has increased water usage fees 41 percent, storm-water fees 10 percent, wastewater usage fees 65 percent and water/sewer access fees in excess of 150 percent.
Increasing the cost of water and sewer services has a major impact on the affordability of life in Greensboro for our fixed-income and working poor residents. I believe this type of fee increase is as detrimental to these residents as raising the gasoline tax or reducing the minimum wage.
If the City Council determines the best cost-benefit trade-off is to replace the dam, I hope it attempts to find the financing by making tough decisions within the city's operating budget rather than further burdening those least able to accept the additional burden.
Seth Coker
Greesboro
The writer is president, Greensboro Landlord Association Inc.
Comments (10)
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One major reason I moved out of G'boro into the county was to save money. No city property taxes, no water fees, sewer fees, etc.
It seems govt., whether federal, state or local, regardless of party stripe, is on an incessant rampage for my wallet and everyone else's. My accountant, upon handing my return back to me (I owed of course), estimated I pay around 42% of my income in federal, state, and FICA taxes. Add in property taxes, sales taxes, gas taxes, fees here and there and it's over 50%. Half of my money is confiscated by politicians just to redistribute and waste a good bit of it.
Hey, Europeans pay around 70% but at least they get health care and college education thrown in. Maybe I will vote for Hillary after all.
Posted on April 2, 2007 8:03 AM
While not a fan of Hillary Care - only because I do not know what it is .. (only Meow knows for sure) -- ultimately it is not the percentage that matters - it's what one gets for the dollar.
They can take 100% of my pay for the right ROI.
fwiw ... My daughter just picked NC State .. add $13,000 annually to my bills - on top of $10,000 to UNCW and $7,200 to BCBSNC ...
Posted on April 2, 2007 11:22 AM
Sounds kinda high, James. Must be housing and meals included in there somewhere.
Dan,
I agree with you. My advice would be to leave Greensboro. I did several years ago and have never regretted it. In fact, I see story after story (like this one) that make me thankful every day.
If only I had left Guilford County while I was at it. Just waiting for the right land/house to come along.
Posted on April 2, 2007 12:05 PM
yea, that's everything, NP
Posted on April 2, 2007 12:29 PM
I'm in the same boat Nit, I left GSO but remained in the county, in fact I'm one mile from the border of a neighboring county. Shoulda gone the extra mile.
Posted on April 2, 2007 12:42 PM
Good points made by the LTTE writer and those who have posted. However, as noted by the LTTE writer, raising the rates only further encumbers the working poor. They have to live in the city because any affordable housing OUTSIDE of the city is virtually non-existent. And forget the idea of home ownership by these same people.
What the "haves" (using John Edwards' term) forget is that the more such things as water rates, etc. are raised, the more the "have nots" suffer. And then people whine, cry, etc. because some legislators seek to raise the minumum wage. Go figure!
Shalom
Posted on April 2, 2007 2:55 PM
You are right Darryl in that all these rate hikes affect the poor, the very people these loving politicians profess to be helping.
I disagree about poor folks having to live in the city. The county is full of small homes and mobile homes which are occupied by lower income folks.
Go figure this: the politicians keep raising the costs of everything, including the cost of employers to pay their employees so the employees can pay for the cost of everything that politicians raise!! Vicious cycle and everyone is screwed except the politicians.
Posted on April 2, 2007 4:00 PM
Dan, would you live in those places in the county that you reference were you one of the working poor?
Or, would you rather live in the city closer to your low-paying job, grocery store, etc and hopefully pay a little less in rent?
And please, just answer the question with a basic one word response. There is no need for a long homily on this one.
Shalom
Posted on April 2, 2007 5:32 PM
Concerning the Water Rate increase. I have often wondered? If there is such a shortage of water in this area, why is there such an effort to constantly build more and more housing and buildings when we can't afford to take care of the residents that are already here. I seems as if the great brains here are only interested in over burding what we already have with no thought of the future or the impact that increased building will have. What is wrong with the Citizens of this City? They keep re-electing the same old tired people that continue to rob us blind.
Posted on April 2, 2007 6:23 PM
Point is Darryl, you are wrong. Many lower income people live in the county. It's a choice. They also benefit from lower taxes like I do. Succinct enough?
Posted on April 2, 2007 6:47 PM