Is It Too Much to Ask to Have Lubbock Churches Pay Their Fair Share?

There is currently a beef going on over Lubbock storm water rates. While that system may be flawed, apparently churches are chief among those affected.  

First off, storm water rates were changed to a system that is based on impervious surfaces, meaning roofs, parking lots and such.  If rain drains off it, it counts against you. That's why it's called a "storm water rate. (It used to be based on how many water meters a business had, which makes even less sense.)

So think of a church and what comes to mind? A building with a large roof and a big parking lot. This means churches are seeing an increase in their water bills.

One councilman is trying to play the 'some churches may be forced to close' card in order to get the current system changed. I'm not buying it.  

Oh, and let me point out that the councilman who brought this up is, you guessed it, a pastor at a church.

Like it or not, churches are businesses. They may be in the business of "saving souls," but they take in money and spend money. They currently enjoy no tax while using the same city benefits we do like fire, police and roads.

I see absolutely no problem at all charging them for a service which they not only use, but use a little more than a regular business.

I have no idea if the current system is fair in itself, but it is completely unfair when some places don't have to participate. So while this system may need to be changed, how it affects churches shouldn't be on the list of reasons for that change.

Oh, and isn't it ironic that so many "prayed for rain" the last few years?