Hands in your pockets; oh their hands in your pockets. Redux

With a front page story in the Daily News, trumpeting the soon to increase tax load for many Rupertites, it was nice to see the advertising department make some change with a notice from the City about the new format for utility billing in the city. Gone is the mad dash in mid July to make sure you have your tax bill and utility charges all paid in good stead.

Of course the city will welcome the new way of bringing in the revenue, by well bringing in more of the revenue revenue. With those shiny new utility notices will come a 12.5 per cent hike in the monies collected for water, sewer and solid waste requirements.

The new system is designed to try and relieve the cash flow problems that the city faces in the first half of each year. Of course, that won’t do much for our cash flow problem at home, meaning we have to get head start on household budgeting now .

NOTICE TO ALL CITY OF PRINCE RUPERT RESIDENTIAL UTILITIES USERS

CHANGES TO THE CITY OF PRINCE RUPERT UTILITIES BILLING

Starting in 2007 Utilities will no longer be included on your tax notice, they will be billed annually in early February. Mortgage companies will no longer be responsible for payment of utilities. If you have any concerns regarding your Mortgage company payment please contact them.

Invoices for utilities will come directly to the customer and if paid by the due-date will receive a 10% discount. Any charges not paid by December 31 of each year will be transferred to your property taxes where interest will accrue daily.

If you have a preauthorized tax account with the City, your payments will automatically be transferred from taxes to cover your utility bill and the discount will apply.

Payments will be accepted by cash, cheque or interac. Post marked envelopes will not be accepted, as payment must be received by the due date.

Please note: internet users please allow 3 business days for your payment to be received. It must be in our bank by the due date.

If you have any concerns please contact customer service at 627-1781.