Request for Help – Goleta Water
I have been asked to compile data concerning the impact of Goleta Water proposed meter fee adjustments to affected associations. I would like as many associations to reply by May 7 so that I can draft a response to the district. Some preliminary calculations submitted by associations show an increase of $6 to $23 per unit per month. The more associations I can put into the sample, the more effective the response. So manager members as well as board members, please take a few minutes and the provide the following for all your associations in the Goleta Water District:
1) Number of meters and size – On the face of the water bill, there is a “Basic Charge x-inch meter”. For example, you might have 4 2-inch meters and 3 1 1/2 inch meters. I just need to know the count of how many meters you pay for monthly. I have the cost of the meters already.
2) Number of units in the association (to determine monthly increase per unit).
3) Amount paid for water in the last fiscal year if I don’t have the amount. This would allow a calculation as to the percentage increase in water costs overall. One association worked out to 45%. You can get this from your year-end income statement.
If individual members want to protest, I understand that their assessor parcel number is required. Written protests are due by May 21 to the water district. Association members may wish to draft petitions signed as a group to submit to the District. I understand that it would take over 50% of the affected users to submit a protest to stop the increase – an impossible task
in my opinion. Publicity regarding the actual impacts to associations may still be effective as I doubt that this has been considered by the District. Since 1997, water meter fee revenue for the Goleta Water District has increased by 772%.
Associations may have the option to reduce the size of their meters (and reduce the flow of water) to reduce costs.
My thanks to Connie Burns and Karel deVeer for their efforts in keeping me informed.
