Councillor Smithers: Hmm... it looks like we underestimated the uptake of the new green-waste permit, Sir. You know, the one that you brought in because green-waste services were paid for out of the Council Tax, supplemented by the County Council. We have a surplus of £165,000.
Mr Burns: Excellent! Just give me a moment to rub my palms together and to don my Face of Avarice.
Councillor Smithers: Shall we give them a partial refund, Sir?
Mr Burns: No. It's my money now. MINE, I tell you!
Councillor Smithers: Shall we reduce the price for next year, and hence attract more people to the scheme?
Mr Burns: Hell no!
Councillor Smithers: Then what do you suggest we do, Sir?
Mr Burns: Put the windfall to a different scheme, one which they might not support, and where they'll never see any benefit.
Councillor Smithers: Will there be anything else, Sir?
Mr Burns: Yes. Crow about it in the local free rag. We ought to keep the proles informed, it's good politics.
Councillor Smithers: Should we issue an apology or express some gratitude, Sir?
Mr Burns: Over my dead body, Smithers!
I don't mind paying for the service, but I do object to paying over the odds for it. I also object to paying into the Developing Communities Fund without my consent while others who didn't pay for a bin-permit won't have to do so.
THE SMALL(ish) PRINT... (updated 23/07/2016)
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