Iwrote a letter to the editor in March 2008 about the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority’s rates. I saw that Raymond Kostanty of Manalapan addressed that same issue in a recent letter.
Here is what I said a year ago:
“How does one start a letter that affects thousands of homeowners? I am referring to the gross inequities that the WMUA has foisted on all homeowners.
“The WMUA has a one-sizefits all quarterly (sewer) fee of $109. Everyone who is a customer of the WMUA pays the same fee regardless of where you live and what type of property you own.
“You can live in a large mansion with a great number of bathrooms or a three-room apartment with one bathroom (adult community). Each pays the same amount quarterly ($109). Where is the logic to all this?
“The WMUA is the only utility that does not have a method of determining the use of the utility.
“In closing, there is one more important item. With one phone call a customer can call each utility to discontinue service for whatever length of time he is away. Does the WMUA charge the same fee ($109) quarterly to homeowners who are away for any length of time?
“If the WMUA charges the quarterly fee, please explain in writing why absentees are being charged the fee.”
I never received a response to that letter from the WMUA.
Obviously, this issue of the one-size-fits-all quarterly rate is of great concern to WMUA customers. I would like a response that addresses the issue and does not put down the person who asks the questions.
Sidney Alpert
Covered Bridge
Manalapan