Annual Fee For Septic Tanks

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31986, 13 May 1969, Page 16

Annual Fee For Septic Tanks

Sir, —Published recently, a 50c to $2.10 increase in the annual fee on septic tanks was approved by the City Council. These charges do not appear on the rate demand, but are sent out separately. It should be of interest to all concerned to see if the users of sewer connections are similarly rated. This must be a record percentage increase in one year. Septic tank users maintain them at their expense at increased costs, this being the general excuse given when inquiries were made at the Town Clerk’s office. We on fixed incomes cannot pass on the increased charges. Surely this charge is exorbitant. One wonders if those in authority, such as the Mayor, are aware of this injustice. Some comment is due.—Yours, etc., (Mrs) L. A. GEORGE. May 7, 1969.

[The Town Clerk (Mr M. B. Hayes) replies: “In the interests of public health, septic tanks within the city are inspected annually. By-law No. 1, made in 1916, required septic tanks to be licensed, the annual fee being 21s. In 1943 this fee was reduced ,to 5s by resolution when an amendment to the by-law was contemplated although never made. The reduced charge applied until recently, when the councel resolved to reimpose the fee which had applied from 1916 to 1943 ($2.10 per annum). This was to assist in meeting the increasing costs of inspection. The council is very conscious of the difficulties experienced by persons on fixed incomes in meeting rising costs of living, but is not able to adjust rates, licence fees, and other charges for persons in different income groups.”]