[MassHistPres] Has any historical society tried to save money this way?

[David Temple]

If you're a small historical society, the answer I get from the group may help you as well as me.

The Medfield Historical Society, of which I'm president, is open to the public only about eight hours per month, and it may be open a few additional hours a week for research etc. by board members. As a result, we used a total of 340 gallons of water over the last six months - for which we received a bill of $113!  I appealed to our water board to waive the fees on the grounds that we are billed an exorbitant amount in proportion to our annual income (under $11K) and our water usage, and that we have, since 1891, provided valuable public services to Medfield residents, including giving a scholarship to a graduating high school senior.  (We lease our town-owned building for $1 per year and provide all our own maintenance.)

The water board refused my request, saying there are state regulations that call for them to bill at least a minimum for every meter (under 10,000 gallons).  The board suggested they might reconsider if other municipal water boards had waived fees under similar circumstances. 

Has anyone tried to get their water bill waived?  Are there any other creative money-saving ideas out there?


 
In your reply, please include my original message. AOL users please note!

David Temple 
David F. Temple, Inc. 
300 South Street 
Medfield, MA 02052 
508-359-2915 
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