I was getting very frustrated over the increase of the utility bills this past year. Then to find out that I was being charged for 15 more days than there is in a month I became furious !! It's no wonder the is $400,000 in past due accounts. For those who just don't qualify for assistance, it is getting extremely depressing ! Seriously, how can a family of 4 (2 small children) in a 900 sq ft house have over a $300 bill ? It is very difficult to pay out more than what comes in. Something just doesn't add up !

I've been tracking my Bay City Utility bills since 1999. My avg month in those days was $125. That avg has creeped up to more like $175 with spikes in late summer when we run some A/C window units.

The most recent two bills this year are $383 and $321. That's the highest I've ever seen.

Tracking the number of days billed is difficult unless done over a long period. It does look like 2010 may be a year with two extra weeks. We'll see if it evens out.

I'm a 1 1/2 person household (child there part time). I work all day, rarely watch tv, have no electric or water involved luxuries (hot tub or filling a pool, etc). My dryer, hot water tank & stove are gas.

The highest bill I'v ever had in 7 yrs. was for $135. My Aug. bill was $260 & Sept $210. Where does it stop in this city?? Belleman's quote implied that people should have known & contacted the dept if they knew they're going to have difficulties, to make arrangements is absurd. I don't think we were aware that in Aug., we'd get slammed with bills like we did.

For people who are struggling already & living week to week, this bill crippled them. I am the SORRIEST I have ever been about anything for choosing to move from Bangor Twp into the city 7 years ago. It has been a financial nightmare between the taxes & utilities & lack of services & now my home is so undervalued, I can't even get out.