The Manchester Water District hiked our water rates by $1 and raised all service tiers 7 percent. This increase starts Jan. 1, 2013. This information isn’t on the water district’s website. In fact, no meeting minutes have been posted since September.

The reason for the rate hikes?  They said “critical capital improvements are needed.” Did you know two commissioners serve on the water district and Manchester Port District at the same time? Did you know our port voted to stop posting meeting minutes on their website? They said it costs to much to maintain in the minutes.

Will our water district follow suit? Smells very fishy to me.Port and Water District’s offices close at 4:30 p.m. Can’t get to the office before closing? Consider requesting records including draft copies of the past meeting minutes through a public disclosure request. Don’t let them tell you that you must wait until next month’s meeting.

Our state Attorney General said they must provide copies of draft minutes. They must confirm receipt of your written request within five days and also inform you when your records will be available. The time frame to provide the records is to be prompt and in a “reasonable period of time.”   Can we avoid another surprise like this?

Maybe, if more of us ask for copies of this stuff promptly. The port and water district’s are supposed to be transparent.

Frankly, I just don’t see it!  Filling out the request form is easy and can be done online. If you need someone to show you the ropes on this I’d be glad to help.

Dave Kimble, Manchester

 

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