The City of Grass Valley water rates compared to Nevada City:

Grass Valley meter charge $41. Sewer $102. Amounts to $144. Plus $3.03 per 1,000 gallons. Example: My last water bill. Water 2180 gallons, $6.61. Meter $42. Sewer $102. Total $150.61. Less than 3,000 gallons.

Nevada City for 50,000 gallons $56. Sewer $94. Total $150. No meter fee.

Why does Grass Valley charge a meter fee? Are we paying for the expansions of the water and sewer plants for the annexes and planned growth?

If so, it is unfair to us who already live in the city, especially when the City of Grass Valley can't take care of what they already have.

Grass Valley projected rates for 2011: Meter fee $47. Sewer $106. $153 plus water at $3.39 per 1,000 gallons. If this doesn't get your dander up, how about 2012 rates. Meter $52. Sewer $110. $162 plus water at $3.75 per 1,000 gallons.

So many of us have given up attending council meetings because our concerns go unheard. It seems like the out-of-town developers receive all their attention.

Is there anyone with clout to have the city explain the high rates? Hopefully not the same old story, state mandated for Grass Valley but not Nevada City.