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WATER CHARGES IN CAPTAINS FLAT

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Note that the information provided to the BM was not intended to be used as an article, but the publisher did so.

Article:

In the Draft Management Plan for 2004-5, ECCR Council proposed to change the way in which residents are charged for water.

Previously our annual rates bill contained a charge of $455.50, which included the "availability charge" and 280kl (kilolitres) of water. Usage above 280kl per year was charged at $0.85 per kl.

Now there will be a reduced "availability charge" and no "free" water included. Originally the proposed charges were:

• an annual $216 availability charge, and
• $1.90 per kl of water for the first 200kl, and
• $2.30 for all usage above 200kl per year.

As well as the total change in structure of the charging regime, also note the changed threshold, reduced from 280kl to 200kl.

If you have never received a water bill, this may be because you used less than the "free" 280kl per year. This means you will be unable to work out your future bills. Council may be able to tell you your usage over the last few years. If you are a tenant you may wish to discuss the changes with your landlord, as usually landlords pay water rates, but tenants pay the usage charge. If you are on a pension (unemployment, disability etc.) you may wish to discuss the changes with your pension provider, especially if you are going to have a greatly increased bill.

Council have told the Community Association that meters will be read quarterly, and bills sent quarterly. Of course, your annual rates bill will be much less than previously. But you will now have to budget for another quarterly bill that perhaps you've never received before.

Your bills later in the year may be higher than earlier ones if have used up the cheaper allowance of 200kl. Of course, your bills will vary with the seasons too, as they affect water usage.

Council is planning to come to the town to hold a public meeting to explain the new charges, and to answer questions about them. Keep a lookout for publicity about this meeting, which will probably happen in August.

Addendum:

Council is planning to come to the town to hold a public meeting to explain the new charges, and to answer questions about them.
This meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 August at 7pm in the Community Hall.
Tea and coffee available from 6.45pm.