The Extra Fee

The Extra Fee
by
Jeffrey J. Ortiz

Let me preface this post by stating that I completely understand that the City of Nederland is trying to find ways to garner extra revenue. I honor them for seeking ways to complete this daunting task. But when they begin to mess with the resident’s wallet I have to stand up and be counted.

Right now the water and sewer rate for apartment buildings are:

Water Rate:
$7.50 from 0-2,000 gallons
$9.75 anything over 2,000 gallons

Sewer Rate:
$8.20 from 0-2,000 gallons of sewer
$10.65 anything over 2,000 gallons

Sources in the water department who wish to be anonymous tell me that “because of new software the City of Nederland must enact this new ordinance.”

The new ordinance is an unfair fee or tax if you will.

The Cities of Port Neches and Groves already have this in place.

If this new ordinance passes, the ordinance will add an additional fee of $5.40 times however many units are owned on that property. (See example)

$5.40 x 180 units = $972

$972 will be the added cost to the water bill in this fictional example. Not to mention the water and sewer consumed in one month.

There are numerous disadvantages to this ordinance.
· Owners increasing rent on average of $10.00 - $15.00
· Citizens moving out and heading north due to the increase in rent
· Losing the trust of local business owners

It was said in published reports that this ordinance was enacted over then years ago.

So why is city council proposing something that worked ten years ago?

The city says it is fair to homeowners. Wimer said, "We think that's equitable in terms that individual homes have minimum billings per home, per household and this will equate to the same thing." (KFDM – TV)



Wow. What a slap in the face to the elderly, the working college student, single moms and single dads who rent in the City of Nederland.

So, because some of us aren’t homeowners we get slapped with a penalty or tax if you will.

Folks, this is discrimination at its best.
I don’t care if every city in the state has enacted this ordinance. It’s just not right. Period. Plain and simple.

I urge all apartment managers and residents to attend the council meeting this upcoming Monday at 6:00 p.m. to express your concern.