Reconnecting water service in River Heights soon will be cheaper
April 11th, 2012 Posted in OpinionRIVER HEIGHTS — Water reconnection fees for River Heights residents who lose water service for nonpayment of the bill are about to become significantly lower.
Tuesday, the River Heights City Council decided to reduce the cost of reconnecting water to $25 for the first offense, and then $50 for every subsequent offense. Currently, the fee is $25 for the first offense, then the fee doubles for every future reconnection. This means after the fourth reconnection, a resident would be paying a $200 fee on top of their water bill.
“I’m bringing it up because I think they’re too steep,” said Councilman Doug Clausen.
Clausen originally proposed the fee to be $50 for the first offense, then capping the fee at $75 for each future offense, but the council decided to lower it even further. A large factor in lowering the fees was the human side of the issue. The council felt that the fees were an unfair burden on people who are already struggling to pay the water bills.
City Recorder Sheila Lind said it was difficult to turn people’s water off and to charge them to reconnect the water. The fees will still be enough to pay for the work being done, but they won’t be too much of a burden on the people paying them.
“It’s multiple trips out to their house that they’re paying for,” said Public Works Director Clayten Nelson.
However, since there was no notice of an ordinance change for this meeting, the council could only discuss this proposal. It will become official when they vote at the next city council meeting.
The council also awarded scholarships to the 2011 Royalty Girls, who represent River Heights in all parades in Cache Valley during the year, said Councilwoman Kathryn Hadfield. Each girl was awarded a $100 scholarship for their service. The council then introduced the Royalty Girls for 2012.
NW
Tags: city council, fees reduced, River Heights, water reconnection
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