NORTHEAST – Residents in the Castlewood subdivision area of Aldine are upset with the increase in their water bills. According to residents, the Suburgan Utility company has added a $60 surcharge to homeowners bills. In some cases, this represents twice as much as their regular bills.
The utility company sent notices out several weeks ago, that they would be adding the surcharge. Hundreds of angry residents signed a petition against the charge, and contacted State Representative Armando Walle. He characterized it as a “money grab” and not a legitimate need for funds to improve the service.
In fact, residents such as Steven Adame say the water service is very unsatisfactory, often with no water at all. He said that calls to the Suburban Utility do not provide a satisfactory answer, only “we are working on it.” Adame was at last week’s East Aldine District board meeting, to ask for help in dealing with the company. District president David Hawes said that they had budgeted $75,000 for the 2014 year, to hire attorneys and expert witnesses to work with the state to improve the rate situation.
MEETINGS SCHEDULED:
PUBLIC MEETING, sponsored by Armando Walle, Sylvia Garcia, and East Aldine District.
Tuesday, March 4th, 6:30 p.m. at District offices, 5333 Aldine Mail Route.
STATE MEETING, March 27th, 10:00 a.m. location TBD in Houston.