Anyone know what a "Water Service Fee" is?

Just received our water bill from Meridan Services Metro District, only to find out that our typical water consumption averaging around 23.00/month now produces a bill of over $50.00/month.

Seems that Meridian Services Metro District is now charging for something called a "Water Service" fee, totalling $29.27.  More than our actual water usage?

Called up to enquire what this was all about, and got some kind of story about the 'board's' decision to proactively charge to ensure that our future water needs are met.

What?!?!  Are they some how producing more water?  Are they suing Wyoming for additional water rights?  Sounds like a tax to me.  Perhaps some Merdian Services executive needed a pay raise?

If it is indeed some kind of fee for future water access, seems to me it should be based on how much water a household consumes, NOT a uniform increase across all customers.  Why not pro-rate the water rate to include this 'fee'?  Oh, because they would then be charging MORE for water than like sized companies perhaps?

This to me rings of the 'Storm water zone fee' or whatever it was called that Colorado Springs Utilities wanted to charge is customers.  A tax is a tax.  Calling something a 'fee' ought to come with some sort of detailed page explaining exactly what this fee is supposed to entail. 

If Merdian Service Metropolitan District wants to raise rates, at least be up-front about it with your customers.  I would HATE to see what happens if the 2000 to 3000 (or more) homeowners in Meridian Ranch pay their MONTHLY $30.00 (which by the way equals some $90,000 per month!!!!!!!!) to Meridian Service Metro District and it winds up in some executives pay check.

Shame on you!

Want to invest in the future? Raise the rates and let the water usage dictate how much our rates go up!  An across the board 'fee' is nothing more than a tax!  Those who use the most water should pay more towards the future supply.  Those without a sprinkler system, and who conserve water should pay less!  Those on a septic system where 100% of the water consumed goes back down into the Earth should pay less as well.

My husband plans on attending the board meeting tomorrow in protest...more to come!!!!