Proposed Water and Wastewater rate increases for the City of Belleville will be included in the Consolildated Rates and Fees by-law for council’s consideration at a future meeting.
Belleville City Council approved considering the increases at its meeting on Monday.
In a report from the city’s Deputy Treasurer Brianne MacNevin, an updated 10-year financial plan shows water rates increasing by 1.47% over the planning period of 2025 to 2034 and the sewer surcharge increasing by 8.84% over that same period as well.
Staff say the higher sewer rate is needed to pay for major infrastructure upgrades such as the wastewater treatment plant’s rehabilitation and main relining.
For 2025, it is proposed that the average residential customer using 18 cubic metres monthly will see an increase of their water bill of 5.83% or $7.47 per month.
Councillor Garnet Thompson spoke on the proposed increases.
“I make (this statement) every year at this time – there’s only one taxpayer, so remember the rate increases when we go to the final budget in March or April,” Thompson told council.
“I know we’re in line with other municipalities, but I think we all have to be cognizant about the rates of water and sewer in our city.”
The proposed rates would be effective January 1, 2025 once approved.
