Homeowners should prepare to be soaked a little more financially once the new utility rates for water and sewer kick in at the beginning of February.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, the utility rate for water will increase six per cent, while the utility rate for sewer will jump by five per cent. This means for most homeowners who pay $725 annually in water utility costs, they will pay an extra $3.64 per month, or $43.68 per year. Homeowners who pay $590 annually in sanitary sewer utility costs will pay an extra $2.45 per month, or $29.40 per year.
During its Jan. 13 regular meeting, council gave three readings to the sewer and water utility bylaw amendment while voting 6-1 each time; Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed. Since the motion was not approved unanimously, it must come back to the Jan. 27 regular meeting for official approval.
So what can you expect to pay for water and sewer costs starting in February?
Water
The connection fee for sewer and/or water service will cost $45, while a deposit for water and/or sewer service will be $140.
Customers with a service connection to the municipality's waterworks shall pay a monthly water service connection fee, depending upon the meter size of the connection. For example, someone with a meter size of 21 to 30 millimetres (mm) will pay $49.86 per month, while someone with a meter size connection of 151 to 200 mm will pay $2,659.61 per month.
Customers supplied with water through a metered service connection with the waterworks — other than out-of-city customers — shall pay 1.3954 per cubic meter of water consumed.
Out-of-city customers, excluding Canadian Forces Base 15 Wing Moose Jaw, shall pay $3.1396 per cubic meter of water consumed.
15 Wing will be charged $2.0931 per cubic meter of water consumed.
People receiving water from the municipality’s water dispensing devices shall pay $4.0561 per cubic meter of water consumed.
A connection fee for temporary water service will be $100, while a deposit for such service will be $300.
Sewer
Customers with a service connection to the municipal sanitary sewer system will pay a monthly service connection based on the meter size they have. For example, someone with a connection of 21 to 30 mm will pay $27.29 per month, while someone with a connection of 151 to 200 mm will pay $1,455.01.
Customers supplied with water through a metered water service connection from the municipal waterworks shall pay sewage fees of $1.4572.
If customers want their water meter tested, they will have to pay a deposit of $50. It will cost $40 to reinstate or disconnect water and sewer services, while people will be charged $85 for a call-out fee for attendance after regular working hours.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Jan. 27.
