Council Asked To Support 10% Water Increase

Dryden Council is voicing concern about a request from Treasurer Adrienne Bodnarchuk to raise water and sewer rates a minimum of 10%.
Bodnarchuk stated Monday night that water consumption has dropped 20% since the introduction of water meters, resulting in a revenue shortfall of nearly $234,757.
If left uncorrected, the shortfall could grow to roughly $400,000 for the 2014 calendar year.
Bodnarchuk notes a 10% hike would provide additional water and sewer revenue of about $440,000 on an annual basis.
It would also result in an extra $18 on the monthly water and sewer bill.
Bodnarchuk points out that some homeowners could pay up to 18% more.
Most on council voiced opposition to the proposal.
Councillor Sid Wintle says the hike is monstrous and way out of line.
Wintle says there’s already an $800,000 surplus in water and sewer in the 2013 budget.
He notes they’ve been over charging water users for some time now.
Wintle says surplus money has been going into general reserves and is paying for daily upgrades or maintenance.
He says that money should be used for future water and sewer upgrades.
Wintle says that’s the only way he will support an increase.
Councillor Martin MacKinnon agreed, demanding a separate bank account for water and sewer for future projects.
Council could vote on the increase next Tuesday.
Fort Frances is the latest community to approve new rates.
Residents will see an extra $1.25 on their bills.
The industrial and commercial sector will see a nearly $8 increase to their base rate, paying $2.70 per cubic metre after that.
The hike will help the town raise an extra $106,000.