Quinte West council discussed water rate increases during Wednesday’s meeting.
During the meeting, council recieved a report on the proposed upcoming rate increases, exploring some options to keep rates low.
Several options for yearly increases were considered. While the original plan called for large increases in coming years, before letting increases drop back down over time, options where the yearly rate increase was capped were also considered. The report found that when the rate increase was capped, they had to raise the rates even higher in subsequent years in order to raise the same amount of required funds.
This chart and graph illustrates the water rate increases currently being scheduled. Option 1a has a yearly increase cap of 8%, 7% for 1b, and 6% for 1c. Photo: City of Quinte West
All of these options would keep the current level of water service.
While a public information session was held during the council meeting, no residents approached the podium to ask questions or give comments.
During a brief discussion on the potential increases, Councillor Shelley Stedall advocated for keeping the rate increases capped at six per cent.
“I’m quite surprised that we didn’t have anybody come to the podium to talk about increases in their water rates, that could be as high as nine or ten per cent,” said Councillor Stedall. “I guess the public will let us know what they think when they get their water bills at those rates.”
The new rate has not yet been chosen. A by-law to enact the new water rates is expected to come before council during the October 4 meeting.
