The city of Ocala has raised our utilities to an unaffordable rate for most middle-class citizens that reside in the city of Ocala Florida. The utility company was recently sued for an illegal fire fee that they were charging their customer's and since the suit was settled, our monthly bill has almost tripled. Most city of Ocala customers are paying anywhere from $300.00 per month to $650.00 per month. Some people are paying close to $6000 per year for utilities. People are having to cut back on groceries and other necessities just to keep the lights on. The city of Ocala has blamed the price of gas going up, but gas has gone down in price, and the utility company is still charging higher rates. Your customers are living in the dark, with their air conditioners off, and still receiving $300 bills. People are having a hard time putting food on the table, paying their rent and bills. My utility bill is just about half the cost of my rent. If they don't reduce the rates there will be people, especially seniors and disabled people, who live on a fixed income, having their utilities shut off. Change needs to happen. Please help us by signing this petition for the City of Ocala to reduce our utility bills to a reasonable rate. We will be seeking litigation if this issue cannot be resolved.