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Community Corner

Are Stoneham's Government 'Outside Water Meters' Bankrupting Us ?

Ladies and Gentlemen: A very large issue and an important 'decision' is facing this town's Finances and the Government's use of Water on our large fields of our schools, Fire Department, and even new Site plan hearings of large developments who use much Outside Water.  Below is a 'quote' and copy of the 'minutes of the Board of Selectmen of July 26, 2012 :

"Selectman Sweeney said the Water/Sewer Review Board made a recommendation that there be no new second meters after 7/1.  The Board decided to extend the second meters to 9/30/12. " 

That's it !..'There was a 'recommendation' . Did the Water 'Board' send any backup or minutes regarding this important decision or did they just 'go along' with the DPW Superintendent to 'raise money ? Do Selectmen, who are ultimately responsible for the 'Rates' just go by 'word of mouth' ?  For two years now, anyone who wanted to receive the benefit of a reduced portion of their bills due to watering gardens, pool use,  grass etc. have been 'denied' such a request and those who already have one are 'Grandfathered'. 

Well then, the point is : 'If' the Water Board and the DPW Head 'believes' getting a break on the Water and Sewer bills is 'WRONG' and 'costs' the town 'too much money' ; then every field in the Schools, our Large parks, fields, Cemetery, Fire Department, Washing our Town Vehicles, which presently are billed 'Water Only' should pay the 'Combined Rate' also ! 

What is 'Good for the Goose etc. ?........And what about 'Kraft Foods' who also is a 'Customer' and uses over 1 million gallons per day through our supply ? They are only paying 25% above MWRA Raw Costs while we have to pay for Unmetered and Unaccounted for water, Town Employees, Pensions, Health Insurance, who are all on the water bill...

So, because the Government's outside water is based on the 'water only rate' ; would it be 'Better' if we all agree to give up our outside meters and lets make a bylaw that states, from July 1, 2014, 'every customer, including the Government pays 'Full Rates' as the DPW and Water Board 'recommends' it is the right thing to do. 'All' of this new expenditure for the schools, town buildings and departments will come right out of their budgets and most of the 'Gains' the Schools have made will be 'gone' and soon. And this will be, because some 'Genius' or Groups of Them 'decided' they 'need' more money from 'each customer' as the 'DECISION'  was 'all water' used should be the Combined Water and Sewer Rates... 

Before we decide to not allow Outside Water Meters : Remember a couple of things. Some Selectmen are fighting for 'more liquor licenses' to 'attract more business'. Is telling them they have to pay 'Sewer Costs' for 'watering their bushes and grounds when they 'open' going to help.
But there's a 'Large Skeleton' in the closet in this discussion which shows 'outside water meters' do NOT 'hurt' as the 'Geniuses' mention.

In Fiscal Year 2003 ; The Water and Sewer Account was carrying a few $$ Million Dollars in SURPLUS due to us 'Overpaying' and the Town Government Raided it to pay 'other bills'( I have the article in my library ).  Millions in Surplus ....I guess the outside meters at that time did not hurt too much as well as the Schools and Government being able to pay the lower rates did not hurt too much then did it...? If we, ( and we can... ) get 'stubborn' and 'fight back' ( and we can) make the Government including the schools pay as 'we do'...I warn you all : It 'shall' this time....

Selah..........Frank Pignone

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