Town of Crossfield

Question

Answer

 1. How does this change help residents?

Monthly billing will provide:

• Smaller, more predictable bills for rate payers.

• Easier budgeting on a monthly cycle.

Reduced risk of falling behind on payments due to large bi-monthly balances.

 2. How does this change positively affect the Town’s billing procedures?

Moving to monthly billing will improve the Town’s ability to collect accounts in a timely manner. It also aligns the Town of Crossfield with billing procedures of many other municipalities in Alberta. Benefits to the Town’s financial management include: 

• Reduced risk of large unpaid balances.

• Earlier follow-up if an account becomes overdue.

• Improves cash flow stability.

With this change, the Town is improving and updating how it manages it’s finances and cash flow, while continuing to deliver essential services.  

 3. Will the Town still be able to identify leaks or abnormal water use patterns?

The Town’s commitment to water sustainability will be enhanced through earlier identification of leaks or abnormal consumption patterns.

• Moving to monthly billing will mean faster identification of high usage or leaks compared with bi-monthly billing. 

 4. Will I pay more because bills are issued monthly?

No. Monthly billing does not increase utility rates.

• Through monthly billing, the total annual cost will be divided into smaller, monthly bills rather than larger bi-monthly ones.

 5. Will meter readings still be accurate?

Yes. Utility bills will continue to be based on actual meter readings, where available, or established estimation processes currently in place.

 6. Will my bill look different?

Each bill will reflect one month billing period.

• Applicable fixed charges for water, sewer, garbage and recycling will be adjusted to reflect the shorter billing period.

• Because the billing period is shorter, most customers will notice smaller individual bills.

 7. Will my payment due date change?

Yes. Your bill will now be issued and due monthly. 

• The billing date will continue to be the 25^th of each month.

• The due date will remain the 15^th of the month following the billing date.

 8. What if I’m currently on a payment plan or pre-authorized payments?

Existing payment arrangements will continue, however,

• Account holders (residents and businesses) on pre-authorized payment plans will see the total amount due reflected on their bill. 

  • It will be withdrawn from their accounts on the due date identified on each utility bill.

• Payment withdrawals will occur monthly, on the due date identified on each utility bill. 

If you have specific questions about your account, please contact the Town. Contact information is below. 

 9 . What should I do to prepare for the change?

Most residents do not need to take any action. We recommend:

• Reviewing your bill when you receive it.

• Updating banking information if needed.

• Contacting the Town if you have questions or concerns.

 10. Where can I find more information or ask questions?

We welcome your questions! Please see the Contact Information section below that lists ways to contact us. 

When we receive new questions from residents, we will update this FAQ. When it is updated, we will notify residents of the updates on the Town’s website and official social media channels. Your question will contribute to the FAQ, which is intended for all residents. 

No, there are no additional carrying, delivery, or service charges associated with this change. The only difference residents will see is that the paper billing fee of $2.00 will now be applied monthly instead of bi‑monthly.

This means:

• Previously: $2.00 every two months
• Now: $2.00 each month if you receive a paper bill

Residents who switch to E-billing will not be charged the paper bill fee at all.