City of Moro city council Andy Andersen, Robert Perisho, Jim Payne, Seth VonBorstel, Brian Cranston City leaders have citizens subsidize their water bills vote to benefit themselves Moro Oregon

       I live in Moro, Oregon. I have served in the local city government for eight years. Our city received a loan from USDA to drill a new well! this was 12+ years ago. Part of the loan package required that the city install new water meters to each service. One of the requirements was that we read the water meters. the city got another loan to pay off the USDA so as to not have to read meters.

       The old system of charging for water was called an EDU ( estimated dwelling unit ). This was used saying an average house uses this much water . This ='s an EDU.

         When I left city council it was set up to start charging customers on a full cost pricing system. In other words you were charged a base rate plus x- amount of dollars based on usage.

          The new city council voted to not read meters and keep with a flat rate EDU system. here in lyes the issue. The people who voted on this , the majority not all Use an average of 60,000 to 100,000 gallons of water per month. The median usage is around 9000 gallons per month. 

          I own an old hotel building and I am being charged three (3) EDU's. I pay $300.00 per month for using 9000 gallons per month while the members of council pay $100.00 per month and use 60,00 gallons plus!

            I've gone to the city council and asked to be charged one EDU like they are and offered to read my meter in case I used an excessive amount of water. After three months of being put off they said they would not change.

              I told them I had spoken with an attorney and that charging me the equalivent of three water bills from one meter was at best ethically wrong and at worst was illegal. I was told rudely by a councilman "see you in court"! I had spoken with this man prior and he told me I would be treated fairly. I was not. It became heated, I did use a couple of foul words. I offer no excuse for that. I'm a construction guy and we don't be rude like that to other people unless you want to go to the bonus round.

               I'm not asking ins for special treatment, only to be charged for what I use.

              There are several other people in the same situation as I am. Can and will you help us?

John , Moro, Oregon