HUNDREDS of Bathurst ratepayers have been left seething after receiving water bills up to seven times higher than previous charges.
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Ratepayers have been receiving their fourth 2009-10 rates instalment notice over the past few days but it is the water consumption charge that has left many angry.
A steady stream of disgruntled ratepayers yesterday passed through the doors of council's Russell Street offices demanding to know why this quarter's bill is so much higher than last. But there is no simple answer.
From July 1, 2009 council has complied with new State Government guidelines to regulate revenue raised from water in local government areas.
The good news is council has reduced local households' fixed water access fee from $235 per annum to $125 per annum.
At the same time, though, it has increased water consumption charges.
In 2008-09, households paid 76 cents a kilolitre for the first 250 kilolitres they used and $1.15 a kilolitre for any excess usage.
This year, though, those charges have risen to $1.25 a kilolitre for the first 250 kilolitres and $1.88 a kilolitre after that.
The confusion has been exacerbated by the fact the latest notice instalment charges households for 118 days of consumption, up from 65 days for the previous notice.
A council spokesman yesterday blamed computer problems for the uneven rating periods.
He said the next instalment period should revert to the typical three months.
Rhonda Pearse from Cambewarra Court in Kelso yesterday said she was gobsmacked to receive her latest notice in the mail on Friday.
“It has gone up seven times more [compared to the same period last year],” Ms Pearse said.
“Last year I paid $33.76 and this year I am being charged $276.35. I can’t afford to pay that.”
Miriam Ledger also visited council yesterday after discovering her bill had increased from $127 the same time last year to $235 this year.
Former councillor Warren Stocks said he was hit with a $530 bill, where he usually only pays about $80. He said he was disappointed he did not receive any warning of the massive price hike.
Ron Wood of Rocket Street said he was livid when his latest rate notice arrived.
He said the water increment on his third installment notice was $65, but this jumped to $382 on the fourth installment notice.
“I take great pride in the way my lawns and gardens look, but that’s it. I won’t be watering my front lawn or side lawn any more. It can all die as far as I am concerned,” he said.
** YOUR SAY: Do you agree with the new charges? Are you one of the winners or losers? Email editor.westernadvocate@ruralpress.com, by mail at PO Box 11, Bathurst 2795 or fax on 6332 2709.
