Merritt approves utility bill credit for flood impacted residents

Merritt City Council has approved a utility bill credit for flood impacted residents. The approved motion from Council reads, ‘Council direct staff to apply a utility billing credit for the residents in zone 4 impacted by the flood evacuation order with an estimated total cost of $40,242.22’.

“The proposed credit of $40,242.22 for zone 4 is the equivalent of 0.41% of our 2021
municipal property tax budget of $9,722,776. The credits will be applied to the first billing in 2022 but will be reflected in our 2021 operating results,” said Wayne Anderson, Director of Finance.

Credits will be applied to the residents account and will show on their April 2022 invoice. Properties in zone 4 that were severely impacted can request a refund cheque from City Hall.

“Our Finance staff will work with the Development Services department to review the list of zone 4 properties prior to sending out the April 2022 invoices. Accounts will be inactivated or credits applied based on changes to occupancy status,” added Anderson.