Man calls for action over water bills

GIRARD — Victor Rice says he cannot pour a glass of water or step into the shower without fearing how much the flowing water is going to cost him at the end of the month.

Rice, a 56-year-old disabled veteran, moved to Liberty Township about two years ago from California after separating from his wife. He says water bills at his Santa Monica Drive home have been too much to swallow in that two years.

Rice buys water from the city of Girard and pays sewage fees to Trumbull County.

Rice said his wife handled the utility bills during his marriage, so he was unsure what the costs should be upon moving to the township. He said the bills would average more than $200 every two-month billing cycle for a home containing only him and his small dog.

Rice said he eventually spoke to some neighbors and learned they were paying a lot less for water in homes with more people. He took the matter to the city.

Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com