Amazing, simply amazing! Two brand new proposals issued by Mayor Lippert in a relatively short time. One common thread prevails in both proposals: we can play ball if Vernon can set the rules. Sort of a benevolent dictatorship. However, when one views the Position Paper submitted to the Arbitrator by Vernon’s solicitor (attached as Exhibits 1-11) a less than benevolent dictatorship is revealed. Take a good read of the document and you may understand why I cannot agree to the City’s proposals.
Vernon claims that because they contribute more funds to the utility they have the right to set the rules. These rules would create a rate system where Vernon customers’ water rates would drop to $0.73 per m3 while Coldstream customers’ rate would increase to $2.18 per m3 and Electoral Area customers would pay $3.33 per m3. Not so benevolent dictatorship!
Vernon may contribute more dollars to the water utility but only because there are more users there. The unit cost of domestic water is the same (at least for now) in any jurisdiction within the utility. All participants agreed to this principle in 2001 (see attached Exhibits 12-13). Vernon should not be allowed to pick and choose which of the agreed upon principles to accept and which to reject. No single jurisdiction should have controlling power over the affairs of other sovereign jurisdictions.
The final touch: Vernon Council voted to abolish Greater Vernon Services Committee while negotiating supposedly in good faith.
Amazing, simply amazing!
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