Proposed fee changes include new utility billing fees

Richard Baugh has lived in Pocatello for around 35 years, he and his wife work hard to keep their home’s exterior and lawn in great care.

“We have a sprinkler system so it’s measured and we put water exactly where we need it,” Baugh said.

This makes water a necessity for him, which means their water bill to the city is never a second late.

There are some in the Gate City who don’t pay their water bill for months. If a bill is still overdue after several months, the city shuts off a person’s water and put a lock on their water meter.

While services come back as soon as the bill is paid, some choose to cut the lock off and continue using water despite not paying their bill.

This has caused the city to create a new deterrent in their proposed fee changes for the next fiscal year. For those caught using water illegally, a person can get fined $50. On the second offense, people are subject to a $100 fine. If caught a third time, a person can get a misdemeanor citation.

“We’re trying to recover the cost,” said chief financial officer Joyce Stroschein. “It takes labor to go out there and turn these things off. It takes labor to go out there and put on a new lock.”

Baugh said he doesn’t mind the new fees, saying, “Not that I like fees, but if it’s something they’re doing that should be illegal then they should get fined.”

The proposed fee changes and the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017 will be subject to public comment at this week’s City Council meeting at Pocatello City Hall on Thursday at 6 p.m.

You can find a copy of the proposed fee changes here and of the proposed budget here.