Fort Simpson (Feb 25/04) - Some Fort Simpson councillors are showing favouritism towards local businesses, alleges deputy mayor Dennis Nelner.

He levelled the accusation in writing at the Feb. 16 council meeting.

By reducing its bulk water rate, he said, council has lowered operating costs for its water contractor -- something water contractor Pat Rowe insists is a fallacy.

At the same time, the municipality is proposing to recoup $1,284 in costs from garbage contractor Xah Ndah Resources, he said.

The village has sent heavy equipment to maintain the access road to the landfill on a few occasions, which is Xah Ndah Resources' responsibility.

"This is a blatant double standard, there is no other way to view it," said Nelner.

Without naming individuals, he said if fellow councillors want to "improve the position of one contractor, they better begin doing it for all contractors -- especially aboriginal contractors."

As Nelner's letter to his peers arose on the agenda, Mayor Raymond Michaud read his own prepared statement.

He reminded Nelner that he should not demean, insult or ridicule other councillors -- neither should he question the motives of their votes.

Michaud said Nelner's letter clearly violates council's code of ethics and bylaws.

Instead of seeking disciplinary action, Michaud encouraged Nelner to write a letter of apology.

The mayor refused to allow any debate on the issue.

Following the meeting, Nelner told the Drum that he stands by his statement.

"You can't be looking favourably on one and not the other," he said.

Rate rationale

Nelner was the only member of council to vote against the reduction in bulk water rates, which dropped from .0098 cents to .0075 cents. Senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson explained the lower rate is intended to keep Fort Simpson competitive with other communities in attracting water sales to oil and gas companies in the future.

The village's largest bulk water customer at present is the government. Judging by last year's sales -- 291,381 L -- the reduction in bulk water rates will only mean a loss of $437 in municipal revenue, according to Swanson.

Pat Rowe, who holds the water contract and is a former village councillor, was adamant that he has not received a break.

He said that every company in Fort Simpson can currently purchase water at the commercial rate of .0075 cents per litre and have it delivered.

Rowe buys it at the same rate and yet he has to pay for the water truck, a driver and fuel.

"They're charging me more than anybody else in town," he said.