Investor · Herndon, VA · Member since 2012 · 40 posts · 1 vote
I recently bought a strip center in City of Gray, GA which is basically vacant with only 1 tenant, but the water and sewer bill was around 600$ (the usage was well within the allowed 2000 gallons for the base charge). I called the city utilities department and explained them I have a 2" line with 1 water meter, so the base charge should be 120$. But they told me even though I have only 1 water meter but because there are 5 untis, they will charge 5 times the base charge.
I do own other properties in different cities and states, but have never seen one like this. Does any other city or county follow this tactic to raise revenue? Is it legal for the city to do this?
Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
10y
@Raj Kumardid you not catch this in Due Diligence, always something to check for with multiple units, I had a mobile home court once charge me for every pad setting there at a base rate, talk about BAD
@Raj Kumardid you not catch this in Due Diligence, always something to check for with multiple units, I had a mobile home court once charge me for every pad setting there at a base rate, talk about BAD
Yes, I did miss this during my due diligence. This is commercial not multi family, so no showers in any of the units.
Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
10y
@Raj Kumarcan you install a meter for each unit? In my case after some legal wrangling we worked something out. Do there ordinance allow them to do this? I once had a similar (one a commerical building) situation and one letter from a lawyer changed that, though lengthy specifics and we could have sued for what they did, we just moved on, and didnt do business in that town again.
@Raj Kumarcan you install a meter for each unit? In my case after some legal wrangling we worked something out. Do there ordinance allow them to do this? I once had a similar (one a commerical building) situation and one letter from a lawyer changed that, though lengthy specifics and we could have sued for what they did, we just moved on, and didnt do business in that town again.
Its very expensive, 22000$ for each water and sewer meters + installation costs, so that is ruled out. I did talk to the councilman of this district and he asked me to write a letter to he chair and he will try to help. I have no knowledge about ordinance, where can I find this information?
Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
10y
@Raj Kumargo the council route first you will prob have better luck going friendly than hostile but if that doesn't work reach out and I can talk in depth about our experiences.