Conflicting computer systems are making it difficult to set water rates in Greater Vernon.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee was told Thursday that accessing information for the water utility is challenging because Vernon, Coldstream and the regional district use different software for billing individually.
“We want to bring all of the data into one software base,” said Dale McTaggart, engineering general manager.
Discussions about streamlining the process are currently underway between the jurisdictions. But it’s uncertain how changes to the system will occur.
“It’s quite costly and onerous but we need to determine if we’re going in the direction of having the data we want. Will the city change its software” said Doug Dirk, a Coldstream director.
“Perhaps we can share the cost?” said Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson and a Vernon director.
Beyond all of the jurisdictions using similar computer software for individual billing purposes, another concept is also possible.
“We could consider moving to a single billing jurisdiction,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer.
