Water Fee Waived

LATE yesterday afternoon Alex Gillan received an email from Council to advise his water bill would be waived.

Mr Gillan’s house burnt down on February 9 yet he received a bill for $403.03 even though the house had only been standing for 22 days during the water bill period. Read: Fuel to the Fire.

Mr Gillan challenged Council about the amount and after many discussions, promises, retracted promises and two Council meetings he is relieved the matter has been settled.

“I think people should stand up to Council when they think they are being treated unfairly, they are there to serve the ratepayers not the other way around,” said Mr Gillan.

“They did make the process very hard and most people would walk away, but on principle I wouldn’t and I’m glad I didn’t,” he said.

“I think the whole process should have been done in open Council, not a closed meeting, so that I and the general community could know why they made a decision not to waive the bill and then did a backflip, all of these things should be open to the public or they don’t deserve the trust of the community,” Alex Gillan said.

In the email Council apologised stating “sorry it has been such a drawn out affair”.

Mr Gillan said he was very appreciative of the support from Cr Sue Abbott.

“I thank her for championing our cause,” Mr Gillan said.