A tech error has caused outstanding balances from 2023 to be added to some utility bills in the Cariboo Regional District.
On social media in early May, several community members posted pictures of their ulitility bills showing, in some cases, an apparent 100 per cent increase in costs. In an e-mail to the simplymastery, CRD manager of communications Gerald Pinchbeck explained that unpaid accounts in 2023 were not transferred to to the provincial rural property tax branch for collection due to a "technological error" which prevented the unpaid amounts from being transferred onto tax notices issued by the province of B.C..
"As there are amounts that are still unpaid, invoices were sent to customers with both the outstanding 2023 balance and the amounts due for 2025. This impacted 540 properties in our system," Pinchbeck said.
Around $198,000 in utility fees are outstanding from 2023, with the total utility billing for 2025 overall being $1,651,896 across the CRD.
Pinchbeck added that those who have kept up to date with their payments were not impacted and would only receive their 2025 balance owing.
The CRD's sewer and water systems are reliant on utility payments, which are billed to those who use the system. Anyone who pays the bill by May 31 is given a 10 per cent discount on their annual user fee, however, customers have until December 31 to pay without penalties or interest.
Pinchbeck also states that information on how people can pay their utility bills is available on their website.
"The fastest and easiest way to pay is through your bank and credit union's online banking system, and instructions on how to do this are on our website. Our Finance Department can also be reached at our Central Cariboo office at 1-800-665-1636," Pinchbeck noted.
