By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Verbal bouquets abounded at Wednesday’s Cobourg council meeting where an alternative storm-water-fee structure was approved.
The old billing structure based on land area resulted in exorbitant Lakeshore Utility Services Inc. billings that enraged a number of citizens, many of whom were outspoken in calling for something more equitable. The option approved won effusive praise from several speakers who had addressed council in the past with grave concerns.
The new option officially approved at that meeting calls for a flat fee for properties up to one acre, with commercial, institutional and industrial properties exceeding one acre in size paying additional charges of $2,060.11 per hectare.
The motion called for this option to be considered retroactive back to Jan. 1, 2024, adjustments to be made to individual accounts, and refunds to be issued to a minimum value of $300. For refunds that would have been less than $300, credits will be issued.
“Thanks for responding to our concerns,” Colline Bell said, adding “a huge thanks for the patience and kindness of the customer service staff at LUSI as they took the brunt of so many calls and questions.”
“When council and the community come together and actually work together – assuming good intent – progress can be made,” Mayor Lucas Cleveland agreed.
