Editor:
This spring I received my residential utility bill for 2011.
I recently had moved from a large house in the Westridge area to a much smaller town home, more suited to me in my senior years. I was shocked to note that the amount on the bill was much the same as I had paid while living in the large house, and I thought to myself, “this cannot be right.”
At first, I approached the financial department of the City to enquire about this matter. I was told that the flat rate did apply and that this was the order of the bylaw, and also, that if I wanted to, I could pursue this matter by writing a letter to the mayor and council.
I did write a letter to the mayor and council and submitted it. The response from the director of finance was exactly the same, insisting that the fee for residential properties is calculated as a flat rate and that there are no provisions for rate reduction or metered rates at this time.
I find it rather disturbing that in the four-unit complex that I live in, there are approximately six adults of which two couples are on the end unit, and two singles are in the middle unit.
The consumption of water etc. is minimal compared to a much larger household, and yet each unit is paying exactly the same amount.
The City is getting three extra payments for the price of one household. This bylaw needs to be addressed and amended.
I would even be willing to install a residential meter myself and have the City monitor it. The situation as it is is unacceptable.
I thank you for your attention in this matter.
Margaret Jacobson
Williams Lake