To the Editor:
After doing some research, I am heartened to know I live in the Village of Pine Ridge. You see, Pine Ridge is not serviced by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and, thus, would not be subject to the 10 percent surcharge that The Villages is trying to charge everyone while limiting water usage.
The “rate structure” that allegedly allows this 10 percent surcharge was incorporated in 2008. At that time, the Villages of Pine Ridge and Fenney and probably some others that I haven’t researched (Osceola Hills, Charlotte, Dunedin) did not exist. According to the Villages CDD, “The approved rate structures for the Village Center Service Area (VCSA), Little Sumter Service Area (LSSA), the North Sumter County Utility Dependent District (NSCUDD), Sumter Water Conservation Authority (SWCA), and Fenney Water Conservation Authority (FWCA) include an Environmental Protection Rate Surcharge in the event a water shortage is declared by SWFWMD. In accordance with the rate structure, a 10 percent surcharge will be added to water usage beginning June 5, 2017 as a result of SWFWMD’s declaration of a Phase III Water Shortage. The incorporation of these rates promotes water conservation in the event of a water shortage, and they were also critical during the development and approval of the rate schedules and water use permits with SWFWMD.” I find it ironic that Fenney is included when these rate structures were incorporated in 2008, don’t you?
My husband contacted two of our District Supervisors and they knew nothing about this issue! But they are having a meeting on Wednesday and will find out and let us know what is going on.
At any rate, since Pine Ridge is not under SWFWMD, we do not fall under their water emergency. We are serviced by the St. John’s Water Management District (SJWMD). Fruitland Park (our city) is not charging its residents a surcharge during this period. Why should the Villages which certainly has a LOT more money than does Fruitland Park?
Lastly, The Villages is comprised of about 80 percent elderly. Many of these people already conserve water for budget purposes. How can The Villages put a surcharge on people who are already living on a fixed income and whose bills may increase without any wrongdoing? My first call if I am charged will be to the Elderly Abuse Hotline. How about you?
Jan Collins
Village of Pine Ridge
