Coldstream politicians are on the defence over a requested refund for sewer users. Sewer rates were recently increased for the approximately 2,100 sewer users in the district. The increase translates to an additional $33 per quarter for the average home. Taxpayers are reminded that the increase was to help cover costs of three things: Coldstream’s portion of the liquid waste management plan, the district’s portion of the bio-solids plant and unexpectedly high sewer costs from Vernon. There was a total $275,00 shortfall Coldstream needed to recoup, therefore increased sewer rates and reserves were used to do so. But ever since Coldstream was refunded $118,000 from Vernon for an apparent error in billing, some residents are calling on their elected officials to give that money back to the taxpayers. “In my opinion when someone takes something that doesn’t belong to them, that could be theft,” said resident John Hegler, who demanded a refund and for rates to be adjusted at Monday’s council meeting.
Mayor Jim Garlick says council needs to look at its sewer reserves before making any decisions. And he reminds residents that the increase to fees would have happened regardless, to cover the total shortfall. “Those two other outstanding costs still exist,” said Garlick, referring to the liquid waste management plan and bio-solids plant. Hegler says he’s had a 23 per cent increase on his sewer bill – his base fee went from $83.50 to $102.50 and the charge per cubic metre rose from $1.26 to $1.54. The increase just adds insult to injury, said Hegler, unhappy with Coldstream’s high water and sewer rates. “My taxes on my house are less than my water and sewer bill for the year,” said Hegler.
1 comment:
Coldstream better be careful. The legislation allows them to set rates for the utility based on costs. They can also set fees. However, windfalls such as this can be seen by the Courts to be an unattributed and unspecified taxation.
Only senior levels of government have the authority to do that.
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