OK, so the headline got your attention. There is not a problem with the water per se. But unless you are aware of the recent increase in water and sewer rates, you are likely to have cause to call a paramedic to re-start your heart when you get your bill in a few months. For most people, your water rate doubled over the weekend.
The city is hosting two meetings this month to answer any questions. Please take advantage of them and be an informed citizen.
The following was received from City Hall:
Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announces that the City will hold two community meetings in July to inform the public about increases to the water and sewer rates and to promote water conservation.
The Mayor is hosting separate 90-minute forums on Thursday, July 14 at Georgetown East Elementary (111 Dogwood Road) and on Wednesday, July 20 at Mount Olive Community Life Center (2 Hicks Ave.). Each meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
Last month, the City Council approved the first combined water and sewer rate increase in more than a decade. Those rate hikes went into effect July 1. The rate hike represents an increase of $23 per month for the average single-family home (using 167 gallons of water per day).
Representatives from Public Works, Neighborhood and Environmental Programs and Finance will join the Mayor in providing information on the need to raise the rates; how the increases will be reflected in the quarterly billing statements after the rates go into effect July 1; and options to save money through conservation efforts. City officials will also discuss alternative payment options for property owners.
“The increases to the water and sewer rates come at a very difficult economic time and will impact every property owner in Annapolis,” Mayor Cohen said. “These meetings are part of a larger outreach initiative to inform the public about these rates, and I invite everyone to attend.”
For those who cannot attend, information about the rate increases is available on the City’s website, www.annapolis.gov/newrates. A Bill Calculator is available to allow residents to estimate their water and sewer expenses after the billing of the new rates is fully phased in on Sept. 30.
In addition to the meetings, utility users can direct their billing questions to the City at 410-260-2299 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
