Town of St. Paul council voted to increase water and sewer rates as well as the garbage levy in a split vote at its meeting on April 26.
In a recorded vote requested by Coun. Trevor Kotowich, council voted 6-1 to pass the recommendation to increase rates. Kotowich opposed the increase.
“It’s no doubt that we have to look at our water rates,” said Kotowich. “My concern is that we haven’t even set our mill rate yet.” Houses are looking at a 24 to 25 dollar hit with the garbage and recycling levy increases, he said. “I’m just concerned that the taxpayer is going to be bearing the increases substantially this year.”
Council also approved introducing a $4 recycling levy charged every two months. The changes will come into effect July 1.
Recycling operations were previously included in the garbage costs, said CAO Ron Boisvert after the meeting. “We wanted to separate it now because we have our own transfer station.”
Administration did not recommend increasing the rate of bulk water sold at the metre house, which remains at $5 per cubic metre.
“I know there’s going to be some pushback on it,” Kotowich said before the vote, adding that he understands labour, fuel, and operations costs have increased.
Coun. Ken Kwiatkowski said he did not think anyone would have a problem with the recycling levy and that comments from the public indicate they are “super happy” with the services.
Coun. Gary Ward said the increases were justified to pay for other increases.
“We should be promoting the fact that this is one of the less expensive communities to live in,” added Coun. Danny White.
The water flat rate will increase from $23.70 to $25 and the sewer flat rate will increase from $11.35 to $13.
The changes to the rates are expected to add over $17,000 and $15,000 to the Town’s budget.
Council expects to gain about $172,000 from the rate changes within a year. The garbage levy increased from $20 to $25 and will add $66,000 per year to the budget. The recycling levy will add $52,800 annually.
The rate for consumption of water less than 100,000 gallons increased from $1.22 per cubic metre to $1.32, and sewer from 17 cents to 20 cents per 100 gallons.
Council also removed the previous lower rates for sewer and water consumption over 100,000 gallons. The Town wants to encourage people to use less water, said Boisvert, explaining the reason to remove the lower rate for consumption over 100,000 gallons.
The Town will also redo contracts to have a $50 administration fee for county lines and will start to charge a $25 new owner or new tenant set up fee.
The last time the water rate increased was in 2003.
