Town of Osoyoos starts sending quarterly utility bills for the first time this week

Photo: Sarah Crookall

UPDATE: 4 p.m.

The Town of Osoyoos says utility bills have been mailed as of Wednesday.

In a public notice sent Wednesday afternoon, the municipality said the invoices would be sent that same day.

According to the town, bills will be mailed one month prior to due dates. Additionally, a 10 per cent penalty will apply on outstanding balances.

The schedule is as follows:

Q1 – January 1 to March 31
Q2 – April 1 to June 30
Q3 – July 1 to September 30
Q4 – October 1 to December 31

By Dec. 31, overdue bills will be "transferred to the property tax bill as arrears."

"Currently, user fees are on a flat rate system. Once all meters have been installed, usage will be monitored for multiple billing cycles but not charged. From there, metered rates based on usage will be established and charged accordingly," reads the notice.

To sign up for electronic payments, residents can fill out a form online or at town hall.

ORIGINAL: 1:26 p.m.

The Town of Osoyoos will be sending out its first round of quarterly-billed utility fees this week.

Last August, council set out to charge water, sewer, and garbage on a quarterly basis, separating them from property tax bills.

"It's important for people to understand that these bills will be going out and they won't be included with the property tax bill anymore," said Rod Risling, chief administrative officer, during Tuesday's council meeting.

Previously, utility fees were mailed out with property tax invoices.

The Town of Osoyoos is strongly encouraging residents to pay their utility bills electronically.