Council here set its water and sewer rates for Drayton and Moorefield some time ago, and on Sept. 8 it made changes to the way it will administer its water and sewer bylaw.
Clerk and Chief Administrative Officer Patty Sinnamon said in an interview the changes are “how we deal with the billing.”
The township currently sends its bills monthly and Sinnamon said sending those bills every two months would save the township mailing costs while not costing users any more money.
Other changes approved by council include having property owners who request a connection to pay that fee when the building permit is issued.
When people temporarily shut off their water supply the Public Works director may approve that upon receipt of a written request from the owner. During the period requested by the owner, the service will be shut off and a minimum monthly charge of $15 will apply. A disconnection and reconnection fee will also apply.
Sinnamon said everyone pays a minimum monthly fee for the service, so it saves money for those who spend six months of the year in Florida to have the services shut off.
As well, where a temporary disconnection is not possible, there will be no cessation of the service, and the monthly bill must be paid.
When people fail to pay their bill on time, interest charges as determined by the township will be levied.
If a property owner does not pay the bill, after a reminder notice, the township will have the right to disconnect the service 10 days from the date of the reminder notice, and services will not be restored until all outstanding balances are paid, including the reconnection charges.
Where a rental unit cannot be shut off separately from the main service connection, the unpaid balance will be applied as a lien on the property, meaning it will be placed on the tax bill.
Sinnamon explained that would move the onus for paying those bills from the tenant to the landlord.
For any unpaid sewer and water bills, the township reserved the right to place those as a lien against the property.
Anyone who required a temporary connection to a fire hydrant must pay a fee as set by the township, and must also use equipment either provided by the township or approved by the township.
Finally, anyone who calls for service is liable for a $50 charge if the problem is to be found on the property owner’s land and, “Any involvement of the municipality in the repair of services on private property shall be billed to the property owner on a time and material basis.”
Sinnamon said it is important property owners realize they are responsible for the lines running from their property line to the house.
“If we have to help, there is a cost to that,” she said.
When council discussed the bylaw, councillor Dennis Craven asked if the township can send sewer and water bills electronically.
Finance Director Mike Givens said, “We’re not quite there, yet.”
Councillor Jim Curry asked about the $50 fee for finding problems running from a property line to a home.
But Mayor John Green said he can remember a property owner in Drayton calling about a sewage backup problem and staff found a diaper blocking the pipes about two feet from the house. He added, “That individual has not yet apologized to me.”
Council also heard that anywhere services are available, the landowner must connect the buildings to them.
Sinnamon told council the changes will take effect Jan. 1 in order to give staff time to implement changes.
The bylaw received all three readings and carried unanimously.
