Sewer rate increase

Dear Editor:Upon reading between the lines of the City of Downey notice of public hearing on March 23 and a review of our bi-monthly sewer charge, what the city does not tell us is that the rate increase for the average single-family is 475%. The largest portion of this increase is for a capital improvement program amounting to $8 million which will be required over the next 10 years. We are of the opinion that this sum should be financed by the sale of bonds as the improvements come on line. The repayment of the bonds will appear on your annual property tax bill. This is the correct method to pay for this program and not on the bi-monthly water bill. Residents and business owners should review their own situation and register an opinion at the public hearing. - Norman Horney and Grace Horney, Downey

********** Published: March 12, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 47