North Central Florida residents gathered in record numbers to try and persuade county commisioners that the grass is indeed looking greener on the other side of the fence. The side that's not facing increased water bills, that is.

Over a thousand senior citizens gathered to try and persuade the commisioners to turn down the five tier water increase pricing plan which Marion County Utilities proposed. They say a drastic increase will not only dry out their lawns but their retirement dreams as well.

Director of Utiltities Andy Neff says, "We have got to put in water conservation pricing structure that's a tiered system to basically send a pricing signal where the more water you use. The more it's going to cost you."

The meeting lasted for hours and did not produce the answers that either side was looking for, but the county commissioners set up another date where the issue would be re-evaluated. That date is June 5th.

By Sarah Pusateri WCJB TV20 News