The cost of water will rise Jan. 1, in Yorkton.
“During the 2016 budget deliberations, it was identified that the waterworks utility would remain self-sufficient with an approximate three per cent rate increase per year,” explained Shannon Bell, Director of Finance with the City in making a presentation to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
The rate passed unanimously by Council Monday will be 3.15 per cent.
Bell noted on June 1, 2011 the water rate in Yorkton was $10.90 per thousand gallons.
The rate on Jan. 1, 2017 will be $13.10.
“With this budget, the utility is continuing the replacement of underground infrastructure through water and sewer line replacement programs,” said Bell.
“This budget also includes placing money in reserves for future capital works.”
For illustrative purposes, a household using 5,500 gallons per month of consumption will have a monthly bill of $99.15 with the new 2017 rates, as opposed to $96.65, which is a $2.50/month increase, explained Bell.
Garbage and recycling charges do not change from 2016.
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, said Bell.
