For the sixth straight year water rates in Yorkton will climb in 2016.
鈥淒uring the 2016 budget deliberations, it was identified that the waterworks budget required an increase for operational funding. With extra revenue generated from growth, the utility can remain self-sufficient with a three per cent rate increase. An additional one per cent rate increase is being proposed, in order to fund future capital projects for a total rate increase of four per cent,鈥� detailed Shannon Bell, Director of Finance, at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
The four per cent is the highest single year increase in the six-year period. The total increase in that period will be 18.17 per cent once the 2016 increase comes into effect.
With the proposed rates, a family of three using 5,500 gallons per month of consumption will have a monthly bill increase to $80.00/month from $76.85/month or $3.15/month increase.
鈥淲ith this budget, the utility is continuing replacement of underground infrastructure through its water and sewer line replacement programs. This budget also includes placing approximately $1,800,000 in reserves for future capital works. The next major upgrade to be proposed for the 2016 capital budget will be the 42 inch sewage outfall line along with the rehabilitation of the existing 1050mm sanitary sewer main. Other plans are the drainage channel improvements, or the Wastewater Treatment Plant based upon the new federal requirement,鈥� said Bell.
鈥淕oing forward, the waterworks utility will continue to have the objective of placing funds in reserves for future projects. The utility is required to be self-sufficient and future expenditures will focus on replacing and expanding water/sewer line infrastructure.鈥�
Council was unanimous in supporting the increase for 2016.
