Peyton, CO

Just received our water bill from Meridan Services Metro District, only to find out that our typical water consumption averaging around 23.00/month now produces a bill of over $50.00/month.

Seems that Meridian Services Metro District is now charging for something called a "Water Service" fee, totalling $29.27. More than our actual water usage?

Called up to enquire what this was all about, and got some kind of story about the 'board's' decision to proactively charge to ensure that our future water needs are met.

What?!?! Are they some how producing more water? Are they suing Wyoming for additional water rights? Sounds like a tax to me. Perhaps some Merdian Services executive needed a pay raise?

If it is indeed some kind of fee for future water access, seems to me it should be based on how much water a household consumes, NOT a uniform increase across all customers. Why not pro-rate the water rate to include this 'fee'? Oh, because they would then be charging MORE for water than like sized companies perhaps?

This to me rings of the 'Storm water zone fee' or whatever it was called that Colorado Springs Utilities wanted to charge is customers. A tax is a tax. Calling something a 'fee' ought to come with some sort of detailed page explaining exactly what this fee is supposed to entail.

If Merdian Service Metropolitan District wants to raise rates, at least be up-front about it with your customers. I would HATE to see what happens if the 2000 to 3000 (or more) homeowners in Meridian Ranch pay their MONTHLY $30.00 (which by the way equals some $90,000 per month!!!!!!!!) to Meridian Service Metro District and it winds up in some executives pay check.

Shame on you!

Want to invest in the future? Raise the rates and let the water usage dictate how much our rates go up! An across the board 'fee' is nothing more than a tax! Those who use the most water should pay more towards the future supply. Those without a sprinkler system, and who conserve water should pay less! Those on a septic system where 100% of the water consumed goes back down into the Earth should pay less as well.

My husband plans on attending the board meeting tomorrow in protest...more to come!!!!

The Pikes Peak Region, fabled for its abundant natural beauty and treasure, has saved its best for this very moment. And that's saying something. With a lifestyle as big and bold as Colorado itself -- absolutely no other community along the Front Range can begin to compare to Meridian Ranch.

Meridian Ranch offers an astounding array of amenities including a 30,000 square foot recreation center, miles of paved hiking and biking trails, an outdoor swimming pool, and the renowned Antler Creek Golf Course. With the new Meridian Ranch Elementary and Falcon High School located within the community as well as traditional, acreage, and custom home sites, Meridian Ranch is a neighborhood you have to see to believe!

Discover the riches of Meridian Ranch, where Campbell Homes (priced from the $270's) extravagant amenities and exceptional prices bring families together in a bold new Master Planned Community.

Meridian Ranch is the investment of a lifetime where a casual country lifestyle blends seamlessly with all the amenities and conveniences of urban living.

Community Information:

-School District 49

• Meridian Ranch Elementary School (http://www.d49.org/schools/mres/)
• Falcon Middle School (http://www.d49.org/schools/fms/)
• Falcon High School (http://www.d49.org/schools/fhs/)

- Parks and Recreation

• Antler Creek Golf Course
• Meridian Ranch Recreation Center
  • 26,100 square foot facility
  • managed by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
  • full size gymnasium with indoor courts
  • State of the Art Fitness Equipment
  • 5,400 square foot outdoor swimming pool with children's play areas and a lap pool
  • Fitness & Aerobics Classes
• 5 Miles of trails throughout Meridian Ranch
• Greens Park
  • Basketball court
  • Playground
  • Walking/Jogging Paths
  • Picnic Pavilion
• Fairway Heights Park
  • Playground
  • Low Rock Climbing Wall
  • Walking Path

-Entertainment & Conveniences:

• Easy Access to Peterson & Shreiver Air Force Bases
• Creek View Grille at Antler Creek Golf Course
• Super Wal-Mart, Safeway, Starbucks, Restaurants all within 5 minutes of Meridian Ranch
• North Care at St. Francis Hospital within 10 minutes of Meridian Ranch

Learn more by visiting http://www.meridianranch.com/ or www.campbellhomes.com

Notes on a Recent Purchase (Or Getting to Know My Work):

My nephew works for a local auto dealer and was sweet enough to send one of his co-workers to me. The wanted to sell their home and purchase a new one.

The family was very nice; a couple and their 8 year old daughter. But, Mrs. Buyer was set on purchasing a new home build from one of our local builders. When you are that set on a particular builder and home, you loose all your negotiation power. I strongly urged her to check out other builders. And to facilitate that, I offered to take her around to them.

We visited over 30 different model homes. Probably 10 different builders, too. She found a home she liked and had it down between that home and the one she'd seen before I started helping her. In the end, she decided they liked the home I'd shown them best.

They made an offer, and I started the negotiations for them. They got the home and at a sizeable amount off the asking price, plus we got the builder to come in and finish the basement.

Mrs. Buyer and her family love their new home. All's well that ends well!

Took a welcomed break from my focus on home staging this weekend starting with helping at my kids school fall parties on Friday, followed by trick or treating in the Meridian Ranch neighborhood with friends. It was the first actual Halloween that the weather wasn't too cold, snowing, raining or some combination of these with the addition of high winds.

There were lots of kids about and some truely spectacular decoration displays. Gave us some ideas for next year! It also gave a little perspective on current market in the area. There were probably atleast 1 home for sale or what appeared to be a vacant home on almost each block we covered. Not uncommon for a town with such a large military presence and regular relocations of the active duty members.

Undeterred and undistracted, it was a great evening with the family and fun to see some of the other kids from school while we were out. Hopefully you each had a good Halloween weekend.

Now the focus is back to the business of home staging and helping those wanting to sell their homes in the Colorado Springs area get it done before the end of the year! Together we can get it done! Visit www.stagedrightcolorado.com for more information!

This is a short notice post to my blog that I will have to update later. This morning is the home-comming parade in Peyton, CO. We've been invited to attend as one of our kids is going to be in the parade. Never been to downtown Peyton so will have to report back what its like (hopefully with some pictures!).

Finally a couple of pictures uploaded...

The girls lining up for the parade. Due to short notice, couldn't work the logistics to bring their horses so rode stick horses instead. Turned out to be a good thing because just behind them were 3 classic cars, 1 of which was a hot rod...VERY loud! Not too appealing to the horses to say the least!