Sewer fees frustrate Coldstream resident

By STACIE SNOWMorning Star Staff Jun 13 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A former Coldstream mayor is threatening legal action to remedy what he calls an "obscene misuse of our sewer fees." Gyula Kiss opposes the extension of the sewer line and an additional $264,000 buy out of the latecomer agreement from Coldstream Meadows Property Management Ltd. Kiss said that these council decisions have resulted in his sewer bill skyrocketing from $81.68 per year in 1980 to almost $600 this year. "How can you justify this decision?" asked Kiss during Monday's council meeting. "How can you use one segment of the taxpayers as cash cows to supply services to another segment who has not contributed anything to the utility?" Kiss said that he has lived in Coldstream since 1975 and when the sewer system was installed a year later, Coldstream residents were required to pay 8.75 percent of the assessed value of the utility, as well as 8.75 per cent of all improvements and irrigation lands and equipment. He added that council's decision to extend the sewer line from McClounie to Aberdeen Roads was an irresponsible one because it is located on agricultural land with only a handful of homes. He said that none of the potential beneficiaries have contributed financially to the project and it has been existing users that have had to bear the burden. "When the previous council canvassed residents, most of them opposed the extension," said Kiss. "However, one major developer was very interested and that was enough to tip the scales."

Kiss pointed out that only two members of the council are connected to the sewer utility. "It may be that your lack of ownership may create a biased view of the facts," he said. "Perhaps if you were paying the $540 flat rate a year for your sewer bill you might be more realistic with your decisions." Coun. Mary Malerby agreed that the sewer fees are steep. "I am just as upset about paying the increase as you are, but there needs to be some balance," she said. "We must take care of ourselves and our neighbours or we wouldn't be the close and functional community that we are." Kiss went on to add that differences between the city and Coldstream are "unreasonable." He said that he pays twice what the people in the city of Vernon pay for trash pick up, recycling and other expenses. Mayor Gary Corner pointed out that numerous factors account for the disparity. "You have a compelling argument, but there are many aspects that are at hand here," said Corner. "There are differences between the city and our area." Corner went on to acknowledge that the issue is important and needs to be addressed. "We need to get some answers and clarification for these concerns."Coun. Bill Firman proposed that the subject be brought up and addressed at the next Coldstream council meeting. The motion was carried. "We need to have a thorough discussion on this issue and get the facts out there," he said.