A Lacombe senior has come up dry in her attempt to soften a hefty water bill.
A resident in her 80s sent a letter to city council requesting a $901.50 bill for January and a potential February bill of more than $1,500 be waived beyond the regular $200 a month she usually pays.
The senior, whose name was not released, said the basement toilet was left “running continuously” by a tenant who was away from the home for a period of tme.
The prospect of a water bill of more than $2,400 for two months creates “substantial and significant hardship” for two women on fixed incomes, she wrote.
Councillors Reuben Konnik, Thalia Hibbs and Cora Hoekstra voted to help cover some of the city’s administration costs on the bill. Konnik advocated that the bill should be completely covered.
Councillors Don Gullekson, Chris Ross, Jonathan Jacobson and Mayor Grant Creasey voted against the motion.
Creasey said it was a difficult decision for council.
“It certainly wasn’t an easy one for myself either, and I do feel for the individual. However, in these matters, that is the only way the city has to recoup these costs,” he said.
Part of the fear was setting a precedent, where the city would be expected to cover the costs of these types of errors in future.
Creasey said the incident can serve as a reminder to all property owners to ensure someone is checking on their properties while they are away.
“It is especially troubling when people leave their properties with the water on, because it can create significant issues, not only with increased utility bills, but also the damage it can cost from leaking,” he said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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