75A - PH - WATER-SEWER RATES - Laserfiche WebLink

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~T, C~ ~~~ ~~~ Jo~2 ~~~ch.~r Ayyad Ghobrial 7581 Irvine Boulevard - #115 Tustin, cA 9278x3123 July 24, 2007 The Mayor and City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza. - P.O. Box i 964 Santa Ana, CA 92702 ~~ ,~ v ~v Sabject: Proposed Increases in City Water and Sewer Service Rates Honorable Mayor and Members ofthe City Council: I am responding to the Notice of Public Hearing to be held on September 4, 2007 on the City's proposed increase in the bi-monthly charges for water and sewer sen+ice. I have estimated the proposed increase as it applies to my 20 unit property located at 301 South Birch Street. Based on the most recent water bill for this property (copy attached}, I calculate that the charges being proposed can be expected to increase the water bill by at least 11.44%. I warrt to express my objection to such a high rate of increase in the current economic climate. My building services those Hispanic famonlies of the community who are not high earners with the result that I need to operate at the lowest possible monthly rental rate far my tenants. Iri order to retain these tenants, I can only raise my rents annually by a margin of not more than about 2 to 3 per cemt. The bi-monthly water bill is the highest single ongoing expense I incur so an increase of 11.44% represents a very definite hardship. I recognize that the municipal costs for providing water and sewer service are, like everything else, subject to a normal and reasonable increase each year. However,l feel that such increase should be consistent with recognized annual living costs indices which are nowhere near 11.44% at this time. Therefore, I respectfiilly request that the Council reconsider the proposed waxer and sewer rate increases in this light, with a view to making it more compatible with the overall cost of living. index. - I wilt not be abhe to attend the Public Hearing in person so t hereby request that this letter expressing my-objection and request for reconsideration be entered into and made a part of the Public Hearing record. Sincerely, Ghobrial 'l ~l ~~ Attach: Copy of Public Hearing Notice for 301 South Birch Street Copy of recent bill for 301 Birch St. with my notes inscribed. 75A-6