This letter is not intended to satisfy a grudge or harm any of the individuals involved, it is only to address a Hamlet city policy.
My family and I have lived in Hamlet since May 2007 and enjoy the lifestyle here very much. We recently purchased a new home in Hamlet after leasing a home in Hamlet for the last two years. At the time of the purchase and the ending of the lease this required us to have water service at two locations in Hamlet.
The water department did in fact inform me there would be a minimum charge.
I only needed water for two more days after the last meter reading. With this in mind I figured it would be a small minimum fee of $10 to $15 dollars or a small prorated amount, not the $47 I was charged for two days of service.
Finally after speaking with the city manager of Hamlet she informed me that $47 is Hamlet’s minimum charge and there is no prorating of the bill.
The City of Rockingham’s minimum charge is $24.15.
Richmond County’s minimum charge is $17.50.
In closing this is just an informative letter on small charges that can catch you off guard in the moving process. So pay attention or you will pay money.
Sincerely,
Steve Davis
Hamlet
In your letter you mentioned that the City Manager was "very polite" when you expressed your concern about the minimum water charge. Marchelle Adams David (MAD-woman) should'nt be too excited or concerned about the rediculous rates since they do not affect her. MAD-woman lives in Rockingham and pays the charges set forth by Richmond County, so she has no problem recomending such increases to the Citizens of Hamlet because she is not affected one bit! Vote Jessie McQueen for Mayor and lets see if he can employ a City Manager that actually lives in the City of Hamlet and will be directly affected by any adverse decisions that are implimented. Out with the MAD-woman!!! A woman that has testified against "her" own police force when attempting to perform their duties in a situation where one officer recieved serious injuries. Hamlet is not in her best interest....her salary and power is. If you want to control the weeds, you have to kill the roots....Marchelle A. David (MAD-woman) is the "root" of Hamlet's problems!!!_
I absolutely agree with Mr. Davis. The minimum charge is disgraceful! Especially considering the number of homes in Hamlet with one or two resident! We never use our minimum usage. Cut the minimum usage by at least 20 to 30% and decrease the minimum charges. Let the folks using all of this water pay for it!
On the off subject, this proves if you let a private for profit company be in-charge of out basic needs (including health care) we will be in trouble.