Magrath makes utility bill adjustment

Posted on October 31, 2024 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During a recent Town of Magrath meeting, Council passed Policy CP-022, Paper Utility Bill Administration Fee.

“Currently, the town doesn’t charge to send paper copies of the utility bills to residents of the town, and the Town has decided that with so many options available, like e-billing, which would be at no cost, we need to look at how much we’re spending on that,” said James Suffredine, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Magrath.

That said, Suffredine stated Council passed Policy CP-022 and the policy will take effect January 1, 2025. The policy, Suffredine says, will include paper utility bills include having a small Administration fee added to the bill.

“What we’re going to do is, over the next few months, is notify residents of the, the change in policy and give them ways to avoid paying the fee, like signing up for e-billing, and we’ll just do that through the mailouts with the utility bills.”

Suffredine says that there will be exemptions who would get charged for paper billing, including residents are over 70 who don’t use computers or individuals with disabilities who would have difficulties accessing their bills via electronic means.

“They just need to request that exemption and we will exempt them,” said Suffredine.