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and she certainly has a great deal of concern for the quality of her water, but she is not yet convinced that municipal water is better than what she has. She encouraged the Commission to look at other means for paying for the system and asked that, if residents must pay for it, the Commission attempt to make it easier on their monthly budgets. Her utility bill as a renter in the past was $60 per month and she moved because the utilities would be less costly. She asked about an estimate for monthly fees once the system is connected. Mr. Chastain advised that estimates fluctuate from 3,000 to 5,000 gallons monthly for a husband, wife and child who typically use an average of 4,000 gallons per month, which would be about $15 per month. Director Pinto explained that the monthly charges are dependent on the use rate and increase if you use more than 10,000 gallons. The Utilities Department can supply a rate chart which shows between $15-$20 a month as a normal rate. Ms. Volk then asked where owners can go to continue opposition, and Attorney Vitunac stated that this would be between the residents and the court system as a class action. Ms. Volk reiterated that she is opposed to the project. David Radabaugh, 20165 14th Avenue Southwest, advised that he received the notice after the first meeting was held and inquired how long it would be before the sewage system is ready. He also wanted to know what the actual cost of $1,500 financed at 8.50 would be over a 10 -year period. Commissioner Bird responded that the actual cost would be approximately double. Mr. Radabaugh then inquired if the sewage system will be mandated, and Director Pinto explained that construction of the sewage system has not been projected and that it would depend on whether it became a health problem. Mr. Radabaugh wanted to know, in that event, if the residents would be mandated to hook up, and Director Pinto advised that the State can require connection to the sewer system. Chairman Macht emphasized that the water system is in response to a recognized health hazard because of the small size of the lots in Vero Beach Highlands with their proximity to the septic tanks. The residents could be drinking bacteria from infiltration and, under the Clean Water Act, counties are required to address that problem. The most inexpensive and efficient solution is to make safe water available and that is what the County is doing, relieving some problems with the health situation. BOOK 94 prL1,657 MARCH 21, 1995 31