City council to look at electrical disconnect fees, benefits package

PENTICTON – Penticton city staff could have a solution to high electrical disconnect-reconnect fees at this evening’s council meeting.

Staff are expected to bring a new rate proposal regarding electrical disconnect-reconnect fees to council at tonight’s March 16 meeting.

Staff is recommending an amendment to the fees and charges bylaw that would see the disconnect-reconnect fee for non-payment during city hall hours for arrears of less than $100 drop by half, from $68 to $34.

A site visit for non-payment that does not result in a disconnect would also be amended for amounts under $100 to $34.

At the March 2 meeting of council Mayor Andrew Jakubeit expressed a desire to see the fees reduced for those who had low outstanding balances, noting those who could least afford it were getting hit hard with the service fee at $68.

Council will also be discussing a possible benefits package for councillors. Staff is presenting three possible payment plans for a benefits package to council.

In addition, council will also be discussing  the graffiti management strategy. Another rezoning application for Winnipeg Street will be subject to a public hearing prior to the start of the regular council meeting.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.