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The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in <br />this matter. <br />Lee Wheeler, a resident of Heritage Village, thought it was unfair that her bill is the <br />same even though she goes away for 10-12 days and shuts off the water while gone. <br />Director Hubbs explained the base facility charge and the pointraised by Ms. Wheeler <br />was a classic example of what is proposed for change. He predicted she will see a significant <br />reduction in her monthly bill (approximately $3.50 when there is no usage) after the new <br />rates are put in place in October. This reduction is because mobile home rates will change <br />and the usage will play a greater role in the billing component. <br />Richard Hutchison, a resident of Heritage Village, asked why there was a $2 per <br />month charge for water and sewer on his bill when he has no sewer. <br />Director Hubbs detailed how the $2 charge was tied to (billing, mailing, meter - <br />reading, tum-on/tum-off )costs and how the charge will be reduced to $1.29 (actual cost) for <br />the water. On further questioning, Director Hubbs explained there is not a savings to the <br />County for electronic payments but the department does encourage its use. <br />Peter Robinson, Laurel Homes, inquired whether any studies had been done on <br />annual peak usage for the different groups. <br />Director Hubbs detailed the seasonality factor which will be used and gave examples. <br />Commissioner Ginn pointed out that all of these concerns had been raised and <br />discussed in depth at the Utility Advisory Committee's meetings. <br />Mr. Robinson then commented that it is proposed to change "impact fee" to "capacity <br />charge" and he thought it should remain "impact fee" because that is the term to which the <br />(development) industry is accustomed. <br />Director Hubbs responded that the bottom line is that when you buy into the system, <br />you are actually buying a piece of the system which is unlike what would be considered a <br />normal impact fee where you are not buying a piece of the system but paying a penalty for <br />moving in. People do not have to pay if they do not connect; it is not a requirement. It is an <br />actual value and adds value to the properly. <br />Sharon Bell, 539 Stanley's Cay, Heron Cay, (a manufactured housing community) <br />thanked the presenters for answering nearly all her questions. Her remaining question was <br />JUNE 229 1999 <br />29 <br />