Middletown transcript., 1904-06-04
MIDDLETowN, DEL, JUNE4, 1904.
WATER RATES

WATER RATES
We are informed that the Light
and Water Commission is con-
templating a radical increase in
the rates for the use of water for
the current fiscal year. At least
two nonresident property own
ers have rendered the Superin-
tendent and Collector the amount
paid by them for the past year,
and it has been declined because
that official had been SO instruct
ed by the Commission. This
strikes US as an anomalous posi-
ton. By law the Commission is
vested with the power to fix the
terms and conditions un d er
which any and all residents OF
this town can use light and water.
This has been done by formal
action of the Board and the rates
thus adopted have been pub
lished. These rates as applied
to the water cover the fiscal year
from June 1st to June 1st. Under
the terms and conditions as fixed
by the Commission, any con-
sumer of water, who has not to-
day, June 4th, paid his water
rent, is liable to have his supply
shut off at any time. And yet,
such consumer cannot pay his
water rent, because, forsooth,
the rates may be raised.
We think, under the provisions
Of the law constituting the Light
and Water Com mission, has the
undoubted right to change the
water or light rates, in its discre-
tion, but subject to a limitation.
We do not believe that any mem
Der Of the Commission would
consider for a moment the propo-
sition, that on the last day Of the
month it had a right to raise the
rates for lights to apply to that
month, or on May 31st, to have
declared that the water rates for
the last year ought to have been
higher and compel the consumers
to pay the advanced rates. Then,
if not on the last day of the
month or year, how can it be
done on the first, second, third or
tenth day. The performance of
the contract entered into be-
tween the Commission represent
ing the town, and the consumer,
has been entered upon, and it
is now too late to change the
terms of that contract.
There is another phase Of this
question which the Commission
should consider. The tax rate
has been increased for 19O4-1905
to $1.6O per one hundred dollars,
and the property owners have
burdens enough for the current
year. We think there is no
question that if every body in
town used the water and paid for
its use at the rates now in force,
there would be a handsome sur
plus over operating expenses
every year. This has proven
true in neighboring towns. In
deed, as THE TRANSCRIPT a few
weeks ago, in the statement of
the financial operations Of the
Commission showed, the plants
are both paying fair profit for
operation. Therefore, it is clear
that the present rates are re-
munerative, and it does not strike
us as being entirely fair to ask
those who for their convenience
and to some extent as a matter of
town pride, have the water in
their houses, to pay an increased
and unnecessary rate. No one
uses the town water because it is
cheaper or better than well
water, but for its convenience,
and the burden Of this falls upon
the landlord directly and upon
the tenant indirectly. This bur-
den is heavy now and if an in
crease in revenues is desired, it
should be made at such a time as
would give notice to both parties
what they will be required to
pay.
OAgain, an increase in water
rates would not greatly affect
the total revenues of the Light
and Water Commission. The
total amount received from this
source is only about $1,000.
Twenty. five per cent. increase
would ouly bring $3.50, and a /,
doubling of the present rates
but 81 900. The consumption Of
water in either event would be
reduced materially, as any rise
in price always SO affects con-
sumption. On the whole, we
believe that it will be for the best |
interest of all concerned to per-
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