On May 31, the town of Danville received a letter from the West Virginia American Water Company informing us that they are requesting a rate increase. After reading the information provided on the reference fact sheet and considering the current economic state of West Virginia households, it is apparent to us that the people of our state deserve a rate decrease more than West Virginia American Water Company deserves a rate increase. With the current cost of living on the rise, our citizens are already struggling to survive. The increase in water usage rates will only bring greater hardships on our constituents and our town. With increased costs for gasoline, natural gas, electric, food and medical expenses, the cost of living is already bringing adversities to many families. Several families have to choose between paying bills and eating. The quality of life for middle- and low-income families is being threatened at an alarming rate and we must stop it. This pattern of securing the bottom line for utility companies and big business is causing many of our constituents to live below the poverty level. Any increase in water service fees are certainly questionable, but a raise of $8.51 a month is harmful to the well being of struggling families. One of the reasons that the water company is requesting an increase is the reduction in customer usage. One of the reasons for the reduction in customer usage is that many families have had to cut back because of inflated household expenses. The Danville Town Council requests that the West Virginia Public Service Commission executes service to the public by denying the rate increase that is being requested by the West Virginia American Water Company. Families in West Virginia are paying enough! Must we continue to penalize the economic well being of West Virginia families for the bottom line of big business!

Respectfully Yours,

Mark McClure, Mayor

Artie Barker, Recorder

Bill Cook, City Manager

Rex Burton, Council Member

Tony Hensley, Council Member

Fred Byrnside, Council Member

George Chafin, Council Member

Ronald Nelson, Council Member

Town of Danville