Letters to the Editor

Opinions and information expressed in Letters to the Editor do not relfect the views of the Chase Sunflower or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor must include name with publication. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send letters to info@chasesunflower.ca

Letter to the Editor,

I am writing in regards to the last Village of Chase meetings held:

February 21/23

“THAT Administration be directed to bring forward bylaw modifications with water and sewer rate changes, to be effective July 1, 2023.” – carried

The following rates & minimum water usage changes are recommended:

- Implement a 60m3 minimum water consumption per billing (1/4ly)

- Increase consumption rates to $0.98/m3

- Increase the water flat rates by 20% - SF $280

- Between 2024 and 2027 – rates are projected to increase 10%

Users like billing consistency, 90% of the users use less than 60m3 & will not incur additional charges.

Many of our meters (150 of them) in Chase have failed and have to be replaced at tax-payers cost. These meters after 13 years (10-year warranty) are no longer available. Should we go back to the flat rate system for water which was working before. These communities, are using the flat rate system, 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Clearwater, Clinton, Kimberly, Montrose, Princeton, and Revelstoke.

If nothing changes with minimum billing – the wastewater system can sustain itself on the accumulated surplus (Other assumptions include a 10% increase in rates from 2024 to 2027).

Taxpayers need to attend meetings and/or write letters to voice their option on these issues.

March 07/23

The Chief Financial Officer will present a status report on the remaining funds the Village received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing’s $879,000 COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant.

Recommendation: www.chasebc.ca – click Village Council, scroll down to Minutes & Agendas to the date you want to view.

“THAT the remaining Covid-19 Safe Restart Fund balance be allocated to information technology upgrades for the municipal office, and the fire hall.” What would you recommend as another alternative?

Also, the Chief Financial Officer will present the proposed operational and capital budget for the various Village departments (check on the website for information).

Tue., 4:00 pm meetings at the Village office are open to the public for input on items on the agenda or other Village of Chase important items. The agenda can be viewed on Fri., on the Village of Chase site before the meeting the next week on Tue. Let the Village Council know how you feel on issues. Voice your option, these are your tax dollars. Get involved and let us work together as a community. People in the gallery do have time to speak on issues. Letters are always welcome. With regards,

Zilly Palamar