Ammon residents outraged by water meter rates

Shock and anger are flowing through the community of Ammon. Some residents are shocked by how much one bill is costing them.

Many homes in Ammon now have meters to rate water usage, and the city increased its meter rates earlier this year.

Many living in the area are outraged and demanding there be a change.

“The city has not been very receptive. They did several water meter meetings last year. I went to two of them, and they almost had this kind of ‘I don’t care’ attitude. None of those meetings were to seek public input. It was basically to let people talk and them saying, ‘Well this is what we are doing anyways,” said Ammon resident Craig Anderson.

The city of Ammon implemented the new water usage rate in early March.

A technical memorandum was made available to the public.

The document indicated the average increase per user would be $16.77 a month.
Complaints from Ammon residents say this is not the case. Some are claiming bills are coming in over $150 per month. Others say their bills are as high as $500 a month.

“I just don’t know how the city thinks that’s ok,” Anderson said. “They were elected to do what’s right by the city of Ammon residents. They have charged ahead and they are doing what they want to do. I am not convinced that they are doing what they think is right for Ammon citizens.”

An online petition has been posted seeking 200 signatures for the Ammon Chamber of Commerce to bring up the discussion in the next City Council meeting.

After a few days of the petition being posted, it received 150 signatures, and Anders believes they will reach their goal of 200.

You can view the petition HERE.

Anderson’s is encouraging the public to join the next Ammon City Council meeting starting at 7 p.m Sept. 5. The meeting will be held at City Hall, located at 2135 S. Ammon Road.