Settlement of Birmingham Water Rates
The Weatherly water ordinance, if adopted by Birmingham, Ala., will tend to remove all feeling as to discrimination in rates, and what many have regarded as extortion. The ordinance has certain distinctive features. It provides for meter inspection by the city with or without notice to the water company, instead of “upon notice to the company.” This is looked upon as a valuable provision. It does away with the charge for water not used. The ordinance apparently eliminates the multiple meter charge. There is a small charge for meter rent, but it is a small one to the domestic consumer, and is clearer than any maximum or minimum meter charges. It takes the place of the minimum charge for the use of water exacted in other cities. With city meter inspection as provided for in the ordinance, the meter ought to be under sufficient protection. The following is a summary of the provisions of the ordinance: First, it reduces the price per 1,000 gallons front 30 and 20 cents under the old rate and the abrogated contract, respectively, to 14 cents. Second, it provides meter inspection by the city independently of and without obligation to notify the water company that inspection is to be made. Third, by implication it does away with the multiple meter charge—looked upon by many as a great source of overcharge and oppression. Fourth, it is an ordinance and can be changed from time to time as conditions justify. Fifth, if it does away with the maximum and minimum meter charges under which a man pays for water not used. Sixth, it enables a small consumer to save money by being economical, it being possible to get out with the payment of only 39 cents per month (meter rent and 1,000 gallons of water).
The Weatherly water ordinance, if adopted by Birmingham, Ala., will tend to remove all feeling as to discrimination in rates, and what many have regarded as extortion. The ordinance has certain distinctive features. It provides for meter inspection by the city with or without notice to the water company, instead of “upon notice to the company.” This is looked upon as a valuable provision. It does away with the charge for water not used. The ordinance apparently eliminates the multiple meter charge. There is a small charge for meter rent, but it is a small one to the domestic consumer, and is clearer than any maximum or minimum meter charges. It takes the place of the minimum charge for the use of water exacted in other cities. With city meter inspection as provided for in the ordinance, the meter ought to be under sufficient protection. The following is a summary of the provisions of the ordinance: First, it reduces the price per 1,000 gallons front 30 and 20 cents under the old rate and the abrogated contract, respectively, to 14 cents. Second, it provides meter inspection by the city independently of and without obligation to notify the water company that inspection is to be made. Third, by implication it does away with the multiple meter charge—looked upon by many as a great source of overcharge and oppression. Fourth, it is an ordinance and can be changed from time to time as conditions justify. Fifth, if it does away with the maximum and minimum meter charges under which a man pays for water not used. Sixth, it enables a small consumer to save money by being economical, it being possible to get out with the payment of only 39 cents per month (meter rent and 1,000 gallons of water).
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