In the 6/1/2013 Martinsburg Journal, a legal notice published in Section C page 2 describes the proposed increase in Martinsburg residential, commercial, and industrial sewer rates. The proposed tariff would increase the average monthly residential bill 179.9% effective July 1, 2015. The average monthly bill would increase from $14.46 to $39.32, an increase of $24.86 a month. According to City.Data.com, the mean household income in Martinsburg in 2009 was $34,842 a year. Assume that the average household receives a 3% increase to household income through annual salary raises; this will add an extra $145 a month to the average Martinsburg resident per month. The proposed 179.9% rate increase would reduce the average household’s extra income by 17%. We all need to sign the petition to and send a clear message that it is time the citizens of Martinsburg stand together to oppose rate changes that would only hurt our ability to add to our household income. Not only will the impact of this rate change effect residential properties, commercial properties will face a significant hard cost to their business. The 179.9% proposed rate increase will raise commercial properties that use 12,000 gal a month from $41.50 to $ 112.84 per month. Please send a message to City Hall that we cannot afford these proposed fees by signing the petition. For more information you can contact: City of Martinsburg City Hall 232 North Queen Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 Household income information can be found here: http://www.city-data.com/city/Martinsburg-West-Virginia.html

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