Water tap issues
Dear Editor:
I think it is time to clarify the water giveaway program that has become a matter of contention. The original purpose of the installation in 1976 was to provide water to the residents if the city and their neighborhood communities were struck by some catastrophe where their water supply was cut off. It was never intended to provide water for the multitude of companies that have taken advantage of our largesse.
The water offered by Boca Raton is not potable whereas that taken in Deerfield is. Boca allows 250 gallons for a cost of 50 cents. Pompano Beach charges $47 a month and the user must sign up ahead of time and pay for 12 months in advance. Those in Deerfield getting 300 gallons for 25 cents do not pay a sewer fee or the 6 percent utility tax that the rest of the residents of Deerfield Beach pay.
Frankly, I believe that Commissioner Miller had a fiscal responsibility as a commissioner to inform the administration that there were many companies outside of Deerfield Beach that were making use of the free for all. When I was informed of how the situation was impacting Extreme Granite, I did not believe it could be happening. I asked the BSO Commander Robert Schnakenberg to check it out. Both he and I were shocked to find out that the problem that Extreme Granite reported did exist. That is why I took it to the commission at the last meeting.
We are not in the business of subsidizing users at the expense of the taxpayers of Deerfield Beach. Commissioner Miller failed to fulfill his obligation to the citizens of Deerfield Beach by knowing and allowing this practice to continue.
Jean M. Robb
Mayor, Deerfield Beach
Dear Editor:
[In] Joe Miller’s letter about business water usage, he states that he “found out that the city’s highest rate for water is $2.65 per 1000 gallons of water.”
I would like to know where he got this information from. Today, I received my monthly water/sewer/garbage bill and ,for 8000 gallons of water, I am paying $38.24. In my math, this equates to $4.78 per 1000 gallons. Realizing that part of this charge is a billing fee/administration fee or any other designation the city chooses to use, it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m paying $4.78 per 1000 gallons. I think it’s sort of disturbing that a man we chose to represent us on the city commission, a resident and also a business owner, is either distorting the facts to make his case for the continued discounted water usage for his business, or [is] not in touch with reality about an issue as important as this.
Steve McKean
Deerfield Beach
[Editor’s note: For a breakdown of all utility fees, visit www.municode.com, browse the library to look under the Deerfield Beach Code of Ordinances and chapter 70 utilities]
Pioneer Park Patriotic Concert
Dear Editor:
It was truly a magical night on Friday, Oct. 30, at Pioneer Park with over 80 of the “President’s own” musicians – the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus – and an opportunity for the public to hear them perform patriotic music in preparation for Veterans Day!
Special thanks and sincere gratitude to the record crowd that attended the concert and to the Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club, Kiwanis Club and the Junior Historical Society of Deerfield Beach High School for their sponsorship, and for making this fabulous night of music possible. We are also grateful to the Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. for helping with arrangements.
Deerfield Beach Historical Society concert organizers
