An email from a resident who favors the surcharge increase:

6/8/2009 11:23 AM

Greetings,  I am writing to add our total support to Mayor Ness's proposed $3.21 water surcharge which would be added monthly to our water/gas utility bill.  I understand that this surcharge would be added to all Duluthians' utility bills.  Some people may not think this is fair since they may not have to repair their own lateral sewer line.  But I think it is fair for everyone to help out with these tremendously expensive repairs because the lake belongs to everyone and we should all want to help keep it clean and clear.  Afterall, we are our neighbors' keepers and many of our neighbors can't afford this unexpected repair on their own.
Speaking for our own family, my husband and I both worked until we were 68 so that we would be debt-free when we retired.  If we will be required to do this lateral sewer repair, we don't want to have to take out a loan to get the job done.  I would much rather pay the small amount of $3.21 each month.
 
I want to thank Mayor Ness for coming up with this solution and we hope it passes quickly.  Also, thanks to you, City Councilors, for serving our beautiful city of Duluth.  It's not an easy job and your hard work is appreciated.    
 
Sincerely,     

Sheila Vath
                             

This email to councilors raises an interesting point that I know Councilor Todd Fedora shares.  The original $5.57 surcharge was intended to pay for holding tanks. But yesterday, Mayor Don Ness gave a laundry list of recent grants and stimulus funds the city received to pay for the tanks. Fedora and this emailer question if the city is getting money for tanks, can't the original surcharge be used to help citizens?

But the emailer suggests the residents in need of repairs drop cable TV to afford the work on their own. I'm sure there are cases where this is possible. However, after walking door to door yesterday talking with folks in the targeted West Duluth neighborhood, I saw many are living on bare bones as is.

>>> "donletourneau" <dcdon@charterinternet.com> 6/4/2009 9:27 AM >>>

Dear councilors, apparently the mayor believes that it is everyone problem to pay for a sewer lines that need to be repaired on just a few personal properties. If you own property you take on the responsibility that there are going to be unexpected repairs and it is you as the owner that is responsible. It was my understanding the city was to receive stimulus money to build or repair the overflow basins. So the temporary fee being charged should of dropped off. Maybe if these property owners went with out a cell phone or cable TV, they could afford a home equity loan to pay for the responsibility they signed up for. Thanks for your consideration

Don Letourneau