Residents opening their utility bills this week shouldn't get too excited at the prospect of receiving a reward for paying their bills in advance.
The city is apologizing for the confusion after realizing that the notices include references to an early payment discount, which city council did away with late last year.
The new bills reflect changes to the utility rates and charges approved by council in December. These include eliminating the 10 per cent discount for paying early and adding a 10 per cent penalty for late payment. Charges have also been applied to final or special water meter readings, paying the wrong utility account, changing the size of garbage container and emergency after-hours call outs.
An insert has been included with the bill explaining the rate and fee changes.
