Drumheller Town Council approved the 2021 Utility Rate Bylaw with a five per cent hike in water rates and a two per cent rate hike for wastewater.
During the Regular Council meeting on December 21, Council approved the bylaw. This follows the financing strategy, which began many years ago to help make the water utility financially self-sustainable.
“The utility system is a vital part of the Town’s infrastructure, and it is imperative to put money aside each year to deal with the depreciation of this infrastructure and any expansion or requirements because of new environmental regulations. This financial plan is on track, however, there is still work to do, especially on the sewage system,” explained Darryl Drohomerski, CAO of the Town of Drumheller.
For residential property, the fixed rate for water goes from $15.48 to $16.25 and the fixed rate for wastewater goes from $13.61 to $13.88. The rate for water usage rate went from $1.9713 to $2.0699 per cubic meter, a rise of five per cent. The wastewater rate, billed at 80 per cent of consumption, went from $2.1881 to $2.2316 per cubic metre, an increase of two per cent.
A residential family using 15 cubic metres of water a month would see their bill go from $84.92 to $87.96.
“Administration works hard to ensure efficiencies are made whenever possible, however, it is vital to put money in reserve to make investments where needed to maintain the safety of our drinking water and keep this plan on track,” added Dave Brett, Director of Infrastructure Services.
