Here in Indy, we foolishly contracted some years ago to have our city-owned water company operated under contract by Veolia Water. This was supposed to keep costs down and improve service.
Instead, we have higher water rates, our meters get checked only six times a year, and if you want to pay them online, you can either have your bank send them a physical check (five day delivery) or you can log into their website and set up electronic payment.
For only “a minimal fee of $2.50 per transaction.”
$2.50?
Damn, people — stamps only cost 42 cents, and you provide the envelope for nothing. And if I pay you online from my bank, even though they mail you a check, it doesn’t cost me anything.
We’d have been smarter if the city had just turned the water company into a not-for-profit like Citizens’ Gas. Or even if they’d contracted with someone smarter than Veolia Water.
A "surly curmudgeon[], suspicious and lacking in altruism." (Robert A. Heinlein)