Mayor David Narkewicz, with the approval of the City Council, is applying the threshold of 1,600 cubic feet of water usage generally to all smaller users who are mainly residential to determine who will pay a higher rate for each 100 cubic feet consumed above 1,600 cubic feet.
The mayor has explained that the 1,600 figure “was calculated using the state Department of Environmental Protection’s consumption goal and an average household size of 2.07 people.”
The justification given is to promote water conservation. How is it fair to apply this threshold calculated for 2.07 people to homeowners regardless of the number of people in a household? Consumption of water surpassing 1,600 cubic feet is not necessarily due to poor water conservation practices.
The city has provided an online calculator so that people can get an idea of their future water and sewer bills. Although some folks will be happy (especially the 2.07 or lower households) and see a savings, they should hold off celebrating.
Larger users such as restaurants and other businesses that see significant increases in their new structured water and sewer rates are likely to pass on their increased operating expenses to the consumer. Don’t be surprised with this ripple effect.
In creating new fees and restructuring old fees to generate additional city revenue, the city is circumventing the spirit and the intent of Proposition 2½ which requires the approval of voters to generate city revenue above its limits.
Theresa Labato
Northampton