Wilson v. Tallahassee Water Works Co.

Citations

• 47 Fla. 351

Syllabus

<p>1. A city ordinance fixing maximum rates to be charged consumers by a water company, provided annual flat rates for consumers generally based upon the fixtures through which or the business for which water is furnished, and then provided “Hotels, mills, manufactories and other large consumers by meter or special rates. Meter rates per 100 cubic feet $ .25,” with nothing in the ordinance to. indicate that meter service to other consumers was contemplated. This limitation upon maximum meter rates applies only to consumers of the class designated in the ordinance.</p> <p>2. Under a city ordinance authorizing a water pompany supplying water to the city and its inhabitants to charge such rate for its use as it may from time to time establish, provided it shall not exceed certain designated maximum charges, the company may fix any reasonable rate to be charged to consumers for service not embraced in those classes for which a maximum rate is prescribed.</p> <p>3. A minimum annual charge by a water company for meter service to small consumers is not necessarily unreasonable because in excess of what a large consumer would pay for the quantity of water used.</p>