Changes made to utility bills

Times Contributor  

 

Council unanimously passed several bylaws regarding town utilities. The primary change is to calculate and deliver utility bills on a monthly basis (this included sewer and garbage service), rather than every two months. Customers south of Centennial Drive to Hwy 1 (A) will have a due date of the 10th of the month, those north of Centennial Drive and south of Hwy 1 (B) will have a due date of the 25th. 

One month’s notice must be given for temporary water shut-off at the curb and it will cost $60 to shut off and another $60 to turn on. The flat monthly fee will still have to be paid. If a house is vacant, the inside taps should be shut off. If there is an accident and the town has to repair fixtures, it can turn off the water without notice. Expenses will be charged to the owner. 

If anyone seriously tampers with a system, such as bypassing meters or damaging hydrants or pipelines, a penalty of up to $10,000 can be laid. 

Outdoor watering hours are 5:30 am to 10 am and 5:30 pm to 10 pm according to water restrictions. The town can apply a penalty and shut off the household water until the owner shows compliance. All plumbing installation or upgrades require a permit and drawings must show Low-flow fixtures. There will be a 2.7 per cent penalty on late payments and the late charge becomes part of the rate levied. 

No lenience will be given for bills not received by any means, for any reason. Ten working days should be allowed for processing. Final notices will be sent out on the last business day of the month for residents in section A and on the 15th of the following month for B. Delinquent payments can be placed on the Tax Roll Account for collection and the Town can serve a one week turn off notice tag, left at the residence. 

Remote Readers can access property with reasonable notice and can make other arrangements with the customer with a subsequent notice within a 24 hour period. 

Residents are allowed garbage disposal of 3 units under 70lbs per week. More units cost two dollars each, and pickup service can be denied for lack of utility bill payment, or failure to comply to garbage regulations. Heavy garbage days are scheduled for items designated with orange HIG stickers purchased at the town office. All details can be viewed at www.strathmore.ca.