A class action lawsuit challenging Ventnor’s rate system for public water and sewer use has just been filed in NJ state Superior Court by Carisbrooke Inn, a popular bed and breakfast. See filed lawsuit document below.
The complaint asserts several violations of state law, seeks to end these fees, and obtain damages in the form of repayment of what is believed conservatively to be more than $5 million in excessive billings. Lawyers for Carisbrooke Inn are also requesting a jury trial in Atlantic County.
NOTE: Neighboring Margate also dealing with taxpayer uproar over poorly communicated water and sewer rate hikes.
Carisbrooke Inn, LLC v. City of Ventnor et al. Superior Court of New Jersey, ATL-L-000489-25.
Carisbrooke Inn is challenging Ventnor government’s water and sewer utility charges resulting in billings of more than 75% on certain commercial customers, like the Carisbrooke Inn, in the form of multiple annual fixed fees for water and sewer service at a single property.
Defendants include Ventnor City, Mayor Kriebel, Commissioners Landgraf and Mento in their official elected capacity. All three considered ‘owners’ of Ventnor City Water System, responsible for setting water and sewer rates, as well as determining billing practices.
In Q4, 2024, Carisbrooke was billed $1,868.85 for use of 31 units of water, while a larger, nearby Boardwalk residence used more units of water – 38 – but paid substantially less, $409.80.
I applaud this class action lawsuit. Multiple fixed rates for one meter is criminal.
I’m a landlord with two apartments in one building. There was only 1 water meter in the property when I purchased it years ago.
Why should I pay a higher water bill than a single property owner that uses the same amount of water as I do?
IF the plaintiff is successful in this class action lawsuit, there maybe many more property owners like myself entitled to some award.
Margate’s Water/Sewer Rates are ridiculous. The minimum amount to be paid needs to be lowered to accommodate the large number of people who only use their places in the summer and use no where near the minimum usage.
We support the city by paying taxes, but not using many of the city facilities such as schools and trash pickup (my condo and many others have private vendors).
Are fat cats lining their pockets at our expense?
What about owners who rent their properties all year round, or more regularly throughout the year ?
This has the appearance of a money grab from a commercial property notwithstanding the owner is just a person hoping to earn a living. Metered property so bill per usage might be appropriate. Decency would be nice when taking money from others.
Sad that Carisbrooke Inn has to go through this. Such a charming, long standing business.