The Sussex County billing policy came to my attention the other day. After reviewing my invoices and making a few phone calls, I feel compelled to memorialize my angst regarding the aforementioned policy.
The two line items of the invoice:
• First charge : Sewer Assessment - Road frontage calculation (should not be limited to 100 feet)
• Second charge: Sewer Service Standard Rate - $71.50 should be a user fee based on water usage (adjustment for pools etc. could be considered). Water usage if purchased from another company could be integrated by simple computer software to the county sewer department by lot/block.
A single homeowner resident should not be subsidizing a larger household. A part-time resident should not be subsidizing the sewer system.
For example, whether you buy a $30,000 vehicle or $100,000 vehicle you pay excise tax percent, as with the real estate transfer fee.
Please, elected officials, take a look at this unfair billing policy. It would appear townhouses, multi-dwellings, apartments, etc. get a big break.
I have owned homes in other parts of the country, and sewer charges were always based on water consumption.
Most importantly, the "usage" payment method will incentivize our citizens to conserve our most precious natural resource.
Roy Messmer
Lewes
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