Investigation Report: Ombudsman Act –  City of Flin Flon

2017-12-19

Summary

The City of Flin Flon billed a property owner over $10,000 for waterline repairs and later adjusted the amount owing to approximately $2,700. The property owner made a complaint to our office about the city’s authority to assess costs and the amount billed to him. While the City of Flin Flon has the authority to bill property owners for repairs to waterlines, we found that the city did not communicate changes to its waterline repair billing policy to citizens. It also did not provide the property owner with sufficient information about how the invoice amount was determined or about the extent and location of waterline repairs. We made a number of recommendations to improve administrative practices and to ensure citizens are treated fairly. The City of Flin Flon advised our office that it will implement our recommendations.

Case 2016-0412