By Kyle Daly | InMaricopa.com
“Absurd.” “Outrageous.” “Insane.”
Maricopa residents didn’t hold back Thursday night when expressing frustration over Global Water’s requested increase in user rates.
About 300 people crowded into a gymnasium at Maricopa Wells Middle School for a public-comment session before the Arizona Corporation Commission, an elected body that sets rates for public service utilities throughout the state. About 50 speakers spoke before four members of the commission during a meeting that stretched more than 90 minutes.
“If we don’t keep these water rates in perspective, this town’s never going to grow,” said resident Mike Slowey.
Slowey, 58, of the Rancho El Dorado neighborhood, expressed a view similar to many speakers and those who remained in their seats during the hearing.
One such person was Raymond Koczor, 70, who moved to Maricopa from Illinois about seven years ago.
Koczor said his son recently moved back to the Midwest because the bills were too high.
“The water is too high, let’s just put it that way,” he answered when asked why he attended Thursday’s meeting. “The sewer is too high, let’s just put it that way.”
Commission members were not allowed to respond to residents during the hearing. Representatives from Global Water and the city – both present at the meeting – also were not allowed to speak before the commission.
Also: Arizona Corporation Commission to hear public comments June 11, 12 about Johnson Utilities increase…
