Twenty years ago, living in my home in Kent, I received my water bill bi-monthly, around $35.
Yes, I realize that was 20 years ago – when I had three kids at home. $35 to $168 while I am using less – wow, if only my income had gained by such a leap in 20 years.
Every month I pay approximately $84 – none of which includes water.
Access: $13.10
Sewer-City rate: $17.96
Sewer-Metro rate: $39.70
Technology fee: $1
Storm drainage: $11.54
Then bi-monthly, they add my water usage $12.12.
The city of Kent, and our elected government officials in general, continues to develop creative ways to increase their spending, thus our fees and taxes, with little benefit to show.
Our roads are deplorable while our taxes are amongst the highest in the nation.
The middle class continues to shrink while the spread between the rich and the poor widens.
Government officials frequently compare our taxes to higher tax-paying foreign nations – the very nations where people are provided a year off work with pay, father and mother, upon the birth of a child.
Citizens are provided two weeks off for major family holidays and everyone is provided, quality healthcare, with, yes, even cures for cancer not permitted here in the United States.
We are reminded we are not a socialist society – unless you are an elected official with extremely great retirement benefits, unlimited spending limits, and a whole lot of self-righteousness.
Vote.
– Shirley Craig
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