LA MARQUE, Texas – Some people living in La Marque are doing a double take on their water bills. There is a $2 donation line added on top of their bills and some people are having trouble opting out.
That includes La Marque resident Bill Varney.
“It’s not right for somebody to walk up and say, hey, give me $2,” said Varney. “I don’t think it’s fair that they just took and added money in to my water bill for me to pay.”
On the bottom of the “amount due with donation” line, it reads, “$2.00 citizen donations collected by the utility billing department shall be divided equally between the La Marque Parks Board and La Marque Clean City Commission to support our Parks Board & Clean City Commission by contributing your $2.00 monthly donation today. This tax deductible donation helps fund special projects to improve our quality of life and this beautification of our city.”
In 2019, the city passed an ordinance that added a $2 park user fee on all utility bills. A city spokesperson said this $2 donation fee is optional.
To opt out online, the person can toggle the “do not add contribution amount” option.
However, another person who lives in La Marque tells us that when this option was chosen, a page that reads, “if you do not wish to be drafted for the voluntary contribution call 409-938-9209″ shows up.
We tried calling the number, but it went straight to voicemail.
“They must have a bill themselves that they have to pay," said Varney.
Back in September, KPRC 2 told you about how the city of La Marque was on the verge of going broke and city leaders approved emergency funds to keep basic services running.
“It’s not fair to our citizens who live here in La Marque,” said Varney.
A city spokesperson said you can write out your check to the exact bill without the donation, if you do not wish to contribute but it is recommended to call to turn off the contribution at 409-938-9200.