Gem Utilities customers question how 2010, recent report can be so different

Maribeth Vaughn
Staff Writer
First Posted: August 23, 2012 - 9:08 pm
Last Updated: August 23, 2012 - 9:14 pm

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CUMBERLAND — A rosy picture of Gem Utilities’ finances was painted two years ago when the town of Cumberland bought the small, private utility. Now, town officials have a 60 percent rate hike on the table that is needed, they say, because Gem is in financial trouble.

As a result, customers are having a hard time trusting what they are being told.

Still, town officials say they are listening to complaints and seeking ways to reduce the impact on customers.

It’s been a month since dozens of residents in Sugar Creek Township balked at the rate increase during a public hearing on the subject. Gem customers are finding that the more questions they ask, the more bewildered they become.

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