Montreat Minute 1/26/24
Needed: Volunteers to Fill BOA Vacancies
As of the end of this month, there will be three openings on the Montreat Board of Adjustment: two regular positions and one alternate. Your help is needed in filling out this important board.
The function of the BOA is to hear appeals of decisions from the zoning administrator, interpret unclear provisions in the zoning ordinance. decide on applications by landowners to permit buildings or land uses which vary from the zoning regulations, and other similar matters. In Montreat, many of the cases involve reviewing variance requests and deviations from the rules due to hardship that is brought on by meeting Town zoning ordinances.
Members must be residents of Montreat, either full or part time. If part time, there must be a commitment to attend the regularly scheduled meetings. Meetings are scheduled monthly, but the board only meets if items are on the docket.
The BOA, due to its responsibilities, is one of the most important boards/committees of the Town. That is why it is so important for it to be fully staffed. Interested in learning more or know someone that would be effective on the board? Contact Savannah Parrish at [email protected] or any Town Council member.
Water Bill Update
As you may recall, the Town recently converted to a new financial system, which also includes water and sewer billing. At the same time, Public Works is changing out old water meters for new. In that process, PW is finding that some of the old water meters have not been reading consumption correctly, if at all. As a result, some residents are receiving very high bills as the system “catches up” on water that was used but never billed. To exacerbate matters, sewer charges are based on water consumption, so there are sewer treatment fees that are also catching up.
The Town regrets that the system has not been operating effectively and that some residents are getting “shocked” with their water bills. We sincerely apologize for this situation. If you receive a bill that shocks you:
- Please call (828-669-8002) or stop by the Town Hall for an explanation of your bill and what happened.
- If you desire, know that the Town will work with you on a payment plan so you don’t have to pay it all at one time.
In terms of prevention, Town staff is working with the vendor who supplies the electronics for the water meters to ensure each is working properly.
Again, we are sorry for the inconvenience and consternation this has created with some of our residents and institutional water customers.
Updates and Reminders
- Speaking of water, Montreat’s annual water tank maintenance is continuing in Montreat today. Remember if you should experience discolored water, please run an outside spigot until it clears. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause! If you have any questions call Angie at Town Hall at 828-669-8002.
Questions?
Do you have Town-related questions you would like answered? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend!