East Putnam Residents Face Unexpected Water Fee

SAN MATEO, FL -- Old San Mateo road still has its country charm, but beneath the tree lined street there is a sign that things are changing.

"We love it here. This has been our home 41 years," says Glenda Wells.

Mike and Glenda Wells love living in the country. They love watching the Orange trees bloom.

But recently, it was all shattered when the county came in an installed new water lines in their community.

"We have never had a problem. And the water from our well is the best around here," says Wells.

But that is going to change. It is part of a major improvement, the county is building a $26 million Reverse Osmosis water treatment system.

Chip Laibl is a Putnam County Commissioners.

"The East Putnam area is probably our strongest economic corridor. We have a lot riding on this system," says Laibl.

Laibl says the system is needed because Federal and State laws require the county to phase out septic tank systems and install water and sewer lines.

"In order to measure sewage use, you have to be able to measure water consumption," says Laibl.

The county is telling residents getting connected will cost about $1400, a fee which will be waived if they say yes before an August deadline. And for those who elect not to get connected now, the county wants to charge a $20 monthly fee.

It is called a ready to serve fee.

Laibl says, "The ready to serve fee is exactly that, the water is running by the residents and it is ready to go."

But Glenda Wells says why should they be penalized because they decided not to get connected.

"I am not happy about it at all," says Wells. She says residents were no forewarned.

"In 2004 they told us that there would be no repercussions if we didn't have it put in, which we took there word and we didn't sign up," says Wells.

Wells feel the county should drop the proposed fee.

County Commissioner says the residents have a good argument.

"As the person who represents them, when they're not happy. I'm not happy and we've got to come to a compromise," says Laibl.

The County will hold a public hearing Thursday July 23rd at the Putnam County Commission office. Glenda Wells and her neighbors hope this will be the last time the ready to serve fee is mentioned.

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