September 9, 2010

Lake Monticello residents have been paying higher water and sewer rates since December.

In December, Aqua Virginia recommended that the SCC raise water rates by 40 percent and sewer rates by 50 percent.

The raise went into effect immediately, even though it was not yet approved by the State Corporation Commission.

The issue has many Lake Monticello residents upset. Bernard Saliba says, "ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Its just going up too much, too fast."

Verne Jarvis also added, "along with other increases, it makes my stomach turn".

The SCC is now recommending that water rates only go up 18 percent and that sewer rates go up 41 percent.

If that happens, Lake Monticello residents will receive a refund for the extra money they have payed.

For those whose bill is currently $105 a month, it would drop to $93 a month.

For those whose bill is now $200 a month, it would go down to $181.

Even if the rates are lowered, they would still be an increase from the original amount.

Aqua Virginia says the extra money covers renovations, repairs, and new construction.

They commented, saying "We haven't yet had the opportunity to review the report in depth. We will have the ability to comment on any issue of concern or disagreement as the process continues, but we are not ready to comment in detail until we've sufficiently evaluated the report."