Water rates are going up again in 2018.
Rates have risen in each of the past seven years for a total of 21.32 per cent.
At its regular meeting Monday Yorkton Council approved a 3.97 per cent increase effective Jan. 1.
“Through long term financial planning for the Water and Sewer division, it was identified that the waterworks utility would remain self-sufficient with an approximate 4.00 per cent rate increase per year,” explained Shannon Bell, Director of Finance with the City.
“With this budget, the utility is continuing the replacement of underground infrastructure through water and sewer line replacement programs. This budget also includes placing money in reserves for future capital works, which includes upgrades to the existing Waste Water Treatment Plant in the next four to five years.
“In our long term financial planning we look at revenues, operating expenses and capital expenses over the next 15 years. With increasing revenues 4.0 per cent each year and expecting a 3.0 per cent increase in operating expenses each year we will be able to fund major infrastructure projects as well as annual water and sewer main replacement programs. Each year approximately $550,000 is allocated to water main replacements, while approximately $250,000 is allocated to sewer main replacements. In addition to the upgrades to the existing Waste Water Treatment Plant there is another $10,000,000 required for two new well lines.”
For illustrative purposes, Bell noted a household using 5,500 gallons per month of consumption will have a monthly bill of $102.43 with the new 2018 rates, this is compared to $99.15, which is a $3.28/month increase.
Garbage and recycling charges do not change from 2017, she added.
Bell also presented a comparison with four other select cities or rates with the garbage and recycling charges removed. The monthly comparison based on 5,500 gallons of consumption showed Melville the highest at $136.16, Regina at $131, Swift Current at $109.14, Prince Albert $103.38 and Yorkton the lowest of the group at $85.78.
“Going 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,” continued Bell.
