Alto's response to water leak dampens Christmas cheer
LIZ DUGAT

On Dec. 5 my husband and I received a bill from the City of Alto for $550.21. Of that amount, $480.13 was for water.

We rushed around the house and outside looking for a pool of water. We found none. Then my husband remembered an extra water valve in the front yard.

The valve had been turned on by someone. This extra valve was here 12 years ago when we bought this house. We do not know what it controls, so of course we keep it turned off. Mysteriously the valve was turned on. It is buried in the ground in a black meter box just like our water meter. This valve is on our side of the water meter. My husband and I are both retired and are on a fixed income.

We decided to attend the Alto City Council meeting and explain the water bill. We were hoping that the mayor and council would consider lowering this outrageous bill.

We attended the meeting and explained the situation. The mayor was not in attendance.

Mrs. Hamilton, the city secretary, told us to come by the office the next day. She said she would explain to the mayor what had happened.

When my husband went back to the office on Dec. 10 Mrs. Hamilton said the mayor said if the leak was on our side of the meter we were totally responsible.

I paid the $550.21 bill.

To add insult to injury, a message typed on the bill said "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

As I understand it, the mayor's and council members' responsibilities are to serve as a resource to the residents of our city making sure they receive quality services and helping them solve their problems concerning the city.

Obviously, this isn't the case in Alto.

It saddens me that I live in a town with such uncharitable people in leadership positions. You would think that people would show a little more compassion especially at this time of year.

I hope that the citizens of Alto who read this letter never have a water leak.

Yes, we will have a merry Christmas this year just without the presents.

Thank you mayor and council members for the concern and sensitivity you have shown to us in this matter.

Of course, this is just my opinion. You be the judge.