Neighbors, borrow whatever you wish from my letter. Let's bombard them with objections.
Pam Clegg
Dear Mr. Snitchler, Honorable Kasich, Senator Bacon, Representatives Garland and Gonzalez: 1-4-2012
This is our almost annual letter stating that we strongly object to the proposed rate increase by Ohio American Water, water and sewer provider for Huber Ridge, case number 11-4161-WS-AIR.
We are writing to specifically state that we still strongly object to the gouging from this private company; our position has not changed. We are writing so that this letter will become part of the docket and all will know we still care that this company is relentless in its pursuit of more money.
OAW's application to the PUCO is based on 500 cubic feet consumption and requests: an increase of 19.74 percent for water, an 11.60 percent sewer rate increase; an increase in reverse osmosis charge (it was 4.50 flat, now they want 1.4179 per Ccf), an increase in the monthly water customer charge (from $9.51 to $11.50); and it appears they are proposing a monthly sewer customer charge of $11.50.
Simply stated, this rate increase would take our current payment of $57.74 monthly (we typically use 3 Ccf monthly, but we are not the norm) to $77.70 monthly (including the monthly sewer customer charge) or $66.20 monthly (minus the monthly sewer customer charge). Pity the families who use 5 Ccf monthly!! We vote no, but we do not get a vote in the matter.
Mr. Snitchler, you get to vote on our behalf. Your letter in the Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Dispatch, stated that you and your fellow commissioners “must balance the interests of ratepayers to ensure fair rates and quality service. It is our duty and obligation under the laws of Ohio.” It should be easy for you to determine that this company does not offer fair rates; nor do they provide, in the case of some, quality service. Enclosed is a copy of a Westerville water/sewer bill for comparison.
Honorable Kasich, you have many items to address as our Governor. I hope you will make time for this issue that concerns more than the Huber Ridge community. We are counting on you.
Senator Bacon, as a former Blendon Township Trustee and one very familiar with the gouging of OAW, I hope you will do your part to help us as our Senator. We are counting on you.
Representative Garland, even though you are not seeking reelection, you did call and ask for our votes in a lengthy phone message. You indicated you would help us on this matter. Please do what you can while you can. We are counting on you.
Representative Gonzalez, you have attended the PUCO hearings even before you were elected. You know all of the issues and are really in touch with how this water company has negatively impacted our community. We are counting on you most of all because you are the most informed.
It is important to the community that winter-summer rates continue, that rates do not increase, and that we as ratepayers should no longer pay for the legal fees every time OAW requests an increase. This company is gouging, oppressive, unfair, and ultimately detrimental to the community. People who have the means move out of the neighborhood because of these rates and in some cases, the quality. Our property values have declined more that the average community. Please help our community.
Sincerely,
Pamela J. Clegg, on behalf of the Clegg family
3614 Makassar Drive, Westerville, OH 43081
pc
Enclosures (2): copy of Clegg October, 2011, OAW bill; copy of Westerville bill, October 2011
