Changes could be coming to Quinte West residents’ water bills.
During Wednesday’s session of council, Quinte West council members reviewed a study presented to them by staff outlining options for new water and wastewater rates.
Three options were presented to council by staff members and compared to the current rates. Under the current rates, the average family of three should see a monthly bill of about $127.
Option 1 is to maintain current water service levels. That would raise the average bill to $135 in order to fund it properly. The second option was to reduce the level of service and would still raise the average bill to $133. A third option to keep rates low, while risking service interruptions, was presented which showed an average bill of $130.
The report sparked a brief discussion among councillors. Councillor Karen Sharpe noted how costs to build pipes is rising.
“I too, am looking more at Option 1, maintaining level of service will cost us more,” said Councillor Sharpe. “Well, we can’t go backwards, we cannot mess around with our water.”
A public meeting based on these proposed rates is scheduled for September 4, with council expected to approve a new water/wastewater rate by-law during their upcoming meeting on September 18.
