County residents to see changes to water and sewer rates

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Changes to Wheatland County’s water and waste water rates could see residents saving money, while others are likely to become more conscientious about conserving. 

Council had directed staff to look into full cost recovery for water and sewer services. On Nov. 15 Chief Financial Officer Patricia Leitch and Jim Laslo, Manager of Administrative Services, presented the recommendations to council. 

A three-tiered system is being implemented with a proposal of a 10 per cent increase over current rates. All county users will be charged the same usage rates in each hamlet over a year so that administration can monitor the new system, and if changes need to be made per hamlet then information will be presented to Council for their consideration at that time. 

The average user in the middle consumption range in the county uses approximately 40 cubic metres of water. For the first 30 cubic metres everyone will pay the same rate, which includes a 10 per cent increase from the current rates. For any amount of water used between 30 cubic metres and 60 cubic metres that resident will pay an additional 10 per cent for the amount used . Tier two would see an increase of 20 per cent from the current rates for this portion of consumption. Consumption that is over and above  60 cubic metres in tier three would see homeowners paying an additional 30 per cent for that portion of water they consume.

Leitch said there are many ways people can easily conserve water, such as not letting the water run while brushing your teeth, or having it run while doing dishes.  

This new method is the first step towards achieving the full cost recovery goal. Council unanimously approved the motion to move forward with the new tiered system and water and wastewater rates effective January 1, 2012.

 

Cluny water well 

The Cluny Lions sent a letter to the county asking for help with the costs of drilling a new well for the community centre. The plan is to drill the new well near where the current well is, and the cost for the drilling is projected to cost between $12,000 and $15,000. The bill will be sent to Wheatland County administration that will then transfer the funds for the project out of Cluny’s reserve funds. The money in reserve is allocated for community projects such as this. 

 

Handi-bus rate increases

The Handi-bus rates have increased which may have prompted a bit of a decrease in ridership. A round trip to Calgary now costs $55, up from $40. In town it now costs $7 one way for persons with disabilities, which Councillor Alice Booth clarified is for people going to medical appointments, and is $10 for everyone else. Councillor Brenda Knight said she is not happy about having a two-tier system, saying it should be the same for all seniors and persons with disabilities. Booth said she would bring Knight’s suggestions to the Handi-bus committee for discussion.