An initiative was begun by then Mayor York and the Board of Aldermen in 2006 to replace on existing homes or begin with new homes radio-read water meters. You probably are aware the current meters are read by hand held wand by city employees. This is fairly labor intensive for the city's small staff. The idea of radio-read meters had merit because: 1)many of the current meters are aging and will need to be replaced, 2) radio-read meters could be read from an electric device from a police car while on patrol, saving time and money. A $5 dollar meter fee was put on your water bill to begin to accrue monies to make the transition over time.
At the July 1st BOA meeting the decision was made to end the initiative. From the BOA minutes:
"Discussion followed about the advisability of continuing the radio read program for the water system. DeJong moved and second by Hoy to stop the replacement of radio read meters and return the meters. Yeas: DeJong, Hoy, White and Finn. Motion carried unanimously."
If you noticed your current water bill the $5 fee is still there. Matter of fact, it was there the last bill as well. If the meters aren't going to be purchased, where is the money going? Why? Should we expect a refund? You might ask your alderman or mayor, I'm sure they can explain.
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I agree that we should get a refund. We paid that fee for a purpose and if it isn't going to be used for that, it seem legally they would be responsible for returning it. Big companies get sued for that exact reason. As a fact they are made to return and sometimes with interest. If you figure $5/month x 12 months=$60x2 years =$120 per household x 750 houses =aprox $90,000. I would love to know where it is going. Has anyone bothered to look at the water bill fees over the last 3 1/2 years?? They have easily tripled. If you pay attention at a board meeting as to what bills are paid out for water and sewer there is a significant overage from what residents are paying. Why is this. Yes KC has raised the rates over the last few years, but not to the rate we are being charged. I think it is a crime against humanity to be over charged on a necessity of life. Anyone agree?? Then why do we allow this to happen to us? Another thought to ponder. Second teir all pay for watering the lawn, garden, flowers, etc. However there are many first tier residents that are allowed to have pumps that pull water out of our lake for free to water their yard.. Maybe that is why they don't notice the water hike as much as some. I personally can not afford to water my grass, our water bill averages $150 or more every other month. When reviewing old statements from just 2 years ago it was averaging $50-$60 every two months. Interesting
Go to the BOA meeting tomorrow and voice your concern. The financial statements are all public and are given at each monthly meeting. Doesn't appear anyone is trying to hide something. Take a look for yourself. As for first tier using lake to water - I'm sure they would gladly trade you your water bill for their property tax bill. Think about it.
What does property tax have to do with free water???? And if my property was worth what theirs was then I wouldn't complain, because I obviously would have money laying around to waste on a house larger than I really need!! However I can't afford a million dollar house which is why I don't have one. However they chose to pay that amount for a house, so why should those of us who can't afford that size house have to pay for water, that they get for free. Can we hook up a pump and pull the water across the streets to water our yard for free?? What because they are first tier they have a right to the lake water?? They already have privileges on the lake the rest don't have. Such as larger docks!
I also hate it when I fly . Why is it that the people who get to fly in First Class get free drinks?
Why cant we all get free drinks and larger seats?
Really ...why should people who are willing to pay more get something for free that I dont?
I love Weatherby but I have just about had it with how things work around here.
I am going to move to China where everybody gets to share and whats yours is mine.
I agree that "free water" is one of our biggest issues. Never mind that the amount used for lawns is a small fraction of what evaporates everyday. It's immaterial if that small amount takes some pressure off of the water tower supply that we buy from KCMO. Who cares about what it costs to have city inspections for the pumps - if someone is getting something for free I want to too! Those arguments just don't hold water.
We can't afford a million dollar house either. We conserve water because bills are so high too. But I wish we could spend the little time we have trying to protect our lake water from others like KCMO instead of arguing amongst ourselves (I wonder how those lake front folks in U Cove liked the raw sewage floating around their huge docks?). Instead of spending time complaining because someone else got something for "free" lets work together making sure our lake water stays clean for all of us.
Well maybe those lake front "fat cats" will decide they don't like sewer water on the nice lawn and start paying for the same water the rest of us are forced to use. As for the plane ride. They pay more for a larger seat. I don't recall anything from the realtors mentioning "buy a first tier home and get free lawn water for life" I might have chosen a first tier home with the rediculous water bills we have.
Most "fat cats" got fat by being "Smart Cats"
Believe me I feel your pain.
You clearly are not a "fat cat"
From previous post:
"Well maybe those lake front "fat cats" will decide they don't like sewer water on the nice lawn and start paying for the same water the rest of us are forced to use."
Makes no sense. In fact, it's laughable.
But there's more from that post:
"I don't recall anything from the realtors mentioning "buy a first tier home and get free lawn water for life" I might have chosen a first tier home with the rediculous water bills we have."
Well there's lake front homes for sale, so go buy one. You get all the free water you want! Then try spellcheck.
Thanks Mike. I too looked at my water bill. I hadn't realized it, but it has increased significantly over the last couple of years.
My Cable bill has increased significantly over the last couple of years.
Why is that? I will tell you why
That guy with the antenna is getting his free
So what does that mean?? Someone here is getting thier water for free so we pay more?? Where is the surplus of money going after we pay KC for our water?? We shoule have enough extra to install the fancy meters we are still being charged for!!
If we stopped people from using antennas to get free TV then they would be forced to have to pay for TV
If they had to pay for TV then the cable company would lower my prices ...right?
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