By Greg Higgins

N.B. council supports increase in utility deposits

Oct 18, 2016 | 1:57 PM

Utility deposits are slated to go up but not by the amount previously proposed.

Back in September, North Battleford’s city council had quite the debate over a utility deposit increase. David Gillan, director of finance, suggested the deposit be raised to $400 from the current $150, but was met with considerable objections.

Gillan regrouped and proposed a new plan at last night’s council. He asked for a $25 increase starting Jan. 1 2017 and another $25 increase Jan. 1 2018. Gillan also asked the home owner be informed after 60 days of delinquency.

“Since the last meeting, administration has received a number of comments from [home] owners supporting monthly billing,” Gillan said. “Of the three suggestions by council last meeting, this seemed like the most feasible option.”

Currently, in the case of owners and renters, by the time utilities are shut off and the owner has been informed of a deliquency, they are stuck with a roughly $450 bill. In the new proposed plan, renters will receive a monthly bill. A notice will be sent to them and the owners after 60 days of delinquency.

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Councillor Don Buglas had concerns about affordable living.

“$200 may not seem insurmountable, but it adds up” Buglas said. “For example I have had three young couples talk to me about this particular issue. They are just starting out employment and renting a place. They have to pay two months’ rent upfront, plus utilities and other things. They have told me they are getting into the $3,000 mark. They said they didn’t know how they were going to afford food.”

Gillan said because of the concerns of Buglas and others, he dropped the proposed deposit from $400 to $200. Gillan added Social Services covers deposits but also understands not every low income person or family has social assistance.

Ultimately council voted unanimously to support the proposal but still has to vote to amend the bylaw to implement the $25 increase. Mayor Ian Hamilton said he would “reluctantly” support it. This, however, is Hamilton’s last council meeting.

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.