To All Gateway Residents: The Gateway Services District Board of Supervisors is considering a water rate increase that may be as high as 40%. Part of the reason for this is that you did what you were told. You conserved water. A water rate increase, of any kind, is unacceptable. We are all cutting back during these tough economic times. Lee County has 11% unemployment. Elementary schools (including Gateway) are cutting Art and Music to save money. The list goes on and on. Board members and the District Operations Manager should be forced to keep the rates stable by cutting other areas of the budget. By signing this petition you are voicing your objection to any increase and requesting the board find other ways to cover its shortfall. We are also calling on the board to schedule a public hearing immediately to detail the situation to the residents. Please include your Gateway address in the comments box below.