Water rate increase – small number of properties – hike to bring equity between rural and town rates.

That in a nutshell is what has happened but it bears a bit more explanation:

This, indeed, was a decision in 2012 during budget time that was not communicated well to those 143 property owners.

The intent was not a cash grab but to bring equity into the situation where some large pieces of rural property (not agricultural land) would be charged for water consumption on a similar basis as the same type of properties in town. It is all one system run by the Oliver Water Utility which is monitored by 7 persons elected – three live in the rural area.

Similar? – In town there is no separate irrigation lines but in rural area they still exist.

Farmers get a cheaper rate based on the fact that river water is licensed to be used for the growth of agricultural products. Once metering/new lines from wells took place in the rural area to give potable water to all residences – new rules came into affect.

When I say no cash grab – I mean it that an increase to one type of consumer all goes into the same pot to subsidize a system that is based on cost to run – not profit.

What can those landowners do? Appreciate the value of water – limit use. Pay for it and think of what your property would look like without water.

Will this new rate be dropped?  I doubt it. Will the Town admit it should have communicated better – look for it.

Public meeting starts Monday at 4pm.

Jack Bennest