On March 10 at 10 a.m. the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) will hold a hearing regarding Liberty Water's (formerly Rio Rico Utilities Inc.) request for a 111.36 percent rate increase for all water customers within the utility.

If the ACC approves this 111.36 percent increase in water rates, customers of Liberty Water will see their bills more than double. These customers need to make their opinions known to the commissioners.

In allowing Liberty Water to double customers’ rates, the ACC would contribute to the continued downward spiral of property values and incomes within Rio Rico. Many in the community cannot afford a rate increase of such magnitude during such bleak economic times.

Recently, faced with the same scenario, the residents of Tubac appeared before the ACC and negotiated an acceptable rate increase plan with their water provider. Public comment to the Arizona Corporation Commission opens the opportunity to negotiate and arrive at amicable solutions. The commission and Liberty Water must consider customer concerns before reaching a final decision. Holding all future hearings in the Rio Rico area will provide representation for all affected parties

There are two ways to provide public comments to the commission.

First, appear at the meeting scheduled March 10 in Tucson at the ACC office, Hearing Room 222, 400 W. Congress St. Public comments will be taken at the beginning of the first day of the hearing.

Second, provide written comments prior to March 10 to the commissioners.

When you write your letter, reference Docket No. WS-02676A-09-0257, then mail it to Arizona Corporation Commission, Consumer Services Section, 1200 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

To e-mail your comments to the ACC, go to http://www.azcc.gov/divisions/utilities/forms/public_comment.pdf for a form and instructions.

Documentation regarding Liberty Water’s request is available in the office at 1060-9 Yavapai Drive in Rio Rico, or visit the commission’s Web site at www.azcc.gov and click on the “e-Docket’ function at the bottom of the home page.

(Editor’s Note: Karen Rogers is a resident of Rio Rico.)