Oliver Town Council will debate 2012 water rates and fees next Monday at 4pm at a public meeting in council chambers. The public is invited.

A recent analysis by staff has determined that of 2027 properties in the Town – 57% of them paid less in water fees in 2011 than in the year previous. But 42.5% paid more and that is of great concern to many. It has been pointed out that the above statement about more or less applies to a difference to a flat rate system used in 2010 and the metered rate system used in 2011. In 2010 – a flat rate of $307 was charged with a parcel tax of $100.

The Town’s water utility has a pay as you go policy – revenue neutral with consumers paying the cost of the system but the change to metering has seen customer using more than the average amount of water paying more.

Should small consumers pay more? Should apartment owners, condo owners, small lot owners subsidize those with very large lots or that use a lot of water?

Councillors will face a request for increased tax rates. What will they decide. Council has various options – decisions that affect the parcel tax, fixed meter rates and consumption rates. The town will review how other municipalities charge for water and best practices before making any decisions for next year.

Will councillors hold the line?