Tensions are simmering over water rates in Bloomfield. On Tuesday people spoke out against an idea to hike rates for most customers, but give a discount to big users.
“That sounded very unfair and not right,” said Bloomfield resident Karen Sprout.
Sprout was among those who listened patiently to representatives of The Metropolitan District. There is a proposal to raise fees for homeowners, the average would pay $100 more a year.
There is also a proposal to cut the rate for companies which swallow up large amounts. Many are concerned one of the businesses that could benefit might be Niagara Bottling, which is located in town and is reportedly eying an expansion.
“More the principle that a large company that most of Bloomfield did not want in the first place or many people did not want in the first place is now getting these benefits that didn’t seem fair,” Sprout said.
MDC blames the potential boost in rates on increased costs, including for healthcare and paying debts. It argues cutting the rates for super users might attract business and actually raise revenue.
But many residents remained skeptical.
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The Bloomfield town council agreed with them and approved a measure to oppose the high-volume discount.
MDC declined to speak with NBC Connecticut on-camera and Niagara has not yet returned a request for comment.
Customers still have a chance to weigh in on the rate proposals. MDC is holding hearings with the next scheduled for Monday in Hartford.
