Saving Water May Not Save You Money

[Robbien]

Source: cbs news

MIAMI Florida’s drought conditions may have you saving water but it may not save you money.

Some South Florida cities are adding an extra charge to make up for an expected decline in revenue. It’s also designed to encourage conservation. The surcharge varies from city to city.

For instance, Fort Lauderdale’s surcharge is 8 percent but Tamarac’s is higher, 18 percent . . . Hollywood and Plantation both add surcharges of 30 percent and it will go up even higher, to 45 percent, if phase 3 water restrictions are implemented.

. . .

Water officials say the surcharge is an economic incentive for customers to reduce their water use but many customers are angry over the surcharge and say it’s unfair to larger households.



Read more: http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_124115637.html

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then there is this next article

Floridians urged to report price-gouging related to growing drought

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson urged residents on Friday to report instances of price-gouging in the wake of the growing drought and wildfire risk that are impacting the entire state.

"We're asking consumers to come forward and let us know if any retailers have exploited our citizens or are profiteering from the emergency situation," Bronson said. "This activity is not only reprehensible, it's illegal."

Under Florida law, it is unlawful to charge exorbitant or excessive prices for essential items — including shelter, gasoline, food, water, ice, generators or lumber — following the declaration of an emergency. The only exemption is if the increases in the amount charged are attributable to additional costs incurred by retailers.

Individuals or businesses found to have engaged in price-gouging face fines of up to $1,000 per violation, or up to a maximum fine of $25,000 a day.

http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/florida_news/article/0,2820,TCP_24432_5520545,00.html

Appears gouging is okay if the municipality does it.

[thoughtanarchist]

1. Respect the Consumer Services Commissioner!

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson

Don't mess with Charles Bronson!

:hide: :yoiks: