Concerned about timing of fee hikes

Several weeks ago, the Rolling Meadows City Council became aware that the water and sewer rates had been raised before the 2009 calendar year.

This prompted me to review my water bill. I was surprised to find that not only had my water and sewer rates been raised, but my monthly refuse fee and my stormwater management fee had also been increased.

Then I thought I should review my December electric bill. Lo and behold, the new 2009 electric tax had also been implemented. Personally I find this action shocking. I knew the city council had approved and raised rates in the 2009 budget, but those new rates were supposed to take effect in January 2009 - not in December 2008 and certainly not in the middle of November of last year.

To me, this is absolutely unacceptable behavior. As a resident, I hope that the city council will not only review the early increases of water and sewer, but also the early increases of the refuse fee, stormwater management fee and the new electric tax as well. We, the residents and businesses of the city, deserve a refund or a credit.

I also believe to raise these fees in 2008 may be illegal since there is no ordinance or resolution authorizing the finance manager to raise these fees and taxes in 2008.

This unsanctioned action may also put the city in jeopardy of a class action law suit being filed by the residents or the affected businesses -- or both!

I sincerely hope the City Council takes appropriate action quickly to resolve this situation before it becomes yet another embarrassment for the fine City of Rolling Meadows.

John D'Astice

Rolling Meadows