The County of Paintearth council approved the waiving of a tiny penalty related to an unpaid fire services bill. The decision was made at the July 15 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a report prepared by Director of Protective Services Colm Fitz-Gerald noting a nearby Hutterite colony apparently forgot they had a fire services bill to pay, with Fitz-Gerald telling them not to worry about the late fee that’s tacked on whenever such situations arise.

“Silver Spring (Hutterite Colony) had a fire bill for a motor vehicle collision (MVC) involving a colony member,” stated Fitz-Gerald’s memo. “The colony member was found to be at fault. Invoice forwarded to Silver Spring colony as per policy.

“The invoice came during seeding and was put aside and forgotten about. The financial boss called me, asked about the invoice as he thought it was covered by the county. It was explained that the county covers equipment and training.”

Readers should note people who receive emergency services from municipal fire departments may get a bill or invoice to cover the firefighter’s time; some insurance policies may cover this invoice, some may not. It behooves policy holders to clarify this with their insurance companies beforehand.

Fitz-Gerald noted the invoice was eventually paid, but there was some confusion about whether the late fee should be paid. “The noted call is a service that will be invoiced,” noted Fitz-Gerald’s memo. “Mr. W. Waldner said he would pay it right away (and he did), especially after I said not to worry about the $15.50 penalty.’

Readers should also note penalties are usually written into bylaws and policies, and usually can’t be waived by municipal staff. If they are waived it usually has to be done by a resolution of council.

Fitz-Gerald noted in his memo this was thoroughly explained to him later. “Writer discussed my dealings with the penalty with (County of Paintearth) Corporate Services and advised that it is not my decision,” noted Fitz-Gerald. “I was nicely given hell and not to do it again. Gracefully admonished.”

Councillors unanimously approved waiving of a $15.50 late penalty to Silver Springs Hutterite Colony.