Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1921-06-23
NEW RATES
ESTABLISHED
COUNCIL DECIDES UPON SCHED-
ULE FOR WATER. LIGHT AND
POWER SERVICE
INVOLVED CONSIDERABLE STUDY
Purpose is To Fix Fair Rate and Then
Treat All Customers Alike.

The town council were in session
until late hour Tuesday evening fig
uring out schedule of rates to be
charged since the city has taken over
the water, light and power depart
ments. This involved considerable
work and study by the members of
the council and especially by H. H.
Hughes, the manager of these de-
partments. Mr.. Hughes had compiled
for the information of the council
men table showing comparative
water rates in this and several other
towns which included Nez Perce,
Grangeville and Standpoint, in Idaho,
Troy, Mont, and Newport, Wash The
schedule of rates finally decided upon
will give Bonners Ferry service at a
cost very close to what other towns
are paying where pumping is neces-
sary. Troy's rate is somewhat high
er, the minimum there being S1.75
while here it is $3.50 AS matter of
fact the franchise rates granted the
Bonner Water and Light Co. were
adopted with a few exceptions, the ex-
glaring inconsistencies in the rates
being charged in some instances.
The power rates adopted by the
board are the same as those now in
effect in many towns in this vicinity
and in many instances are a sub
stantial reduction from the rates es-
tablished and allowed the Bonner
Water and Light Co by the public
utilities commission of Idaho.
The problem to be worked out by
the board and Mr. Hughes was to es-
tablish a schedule of rates that would
be fair to all classes of consumers
and also that would produce sufficient
revenue to make the new departments
self sustaining. 1t is believed that
this can be done without working a
hardship on anyone.
One of the biggest problems that
the board had to tackle in this con-
nection was Just how to handle a sit
luation that has existed in Bonners
Ferry, due to the great discrepancies
in the rates charged different con-
sumers here for the same kind of
service In some instances this was
as high as hundred per cent. How
ever. the board believes they have now
adopted schedule of rates that will
, edualize this difference and are as
sured that hereafter each consumer
will be charged the same rate for the
| same service
For lighting purposes the usual
minimum of $3.50 for residences was
established and where no meter is
used rate will amply of q certain
charge ner watt which will depend
upon the number and size of lights
and other appliances used. If the
consumer considers this rate too high
meter will be installed under GER
tain conditions.
Much dissatisfa action has been ex-
pressed hv many because of the fact
that so manv residences We're without
meters and burning many lights and
apnliances. while other residences
were on metered service and Dayine
for exactly what thev consumed The
feeling has been that some We're get
ting more service than they were nay
ing for while others were paying
more than they justly should under
these conditions. Tt is the intention
of the board to overcome this con.
dition. establish a fair rate and ther
see that each and every consumer is
treated exactly the same
Tt is interesting to note that the
towns heaviest consumer of water is
Continued on page sevcn)