The City of Lloydminster is discussing a proposed rate increase to utilities, tabled at the April 19th Governance and Priorities Committee session.
Solid waste and storm-water utility rates were reviewed and adjusted in 2017. A similar review and adjustment on water was completed in 2018.
Administration points out that operation expenses and inflation continue to rise and the need exists to upgrade existing ageing facilities.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers says they have some legal requirements which they are mandated to meet.
“We have to provide clean drinking water that meets the needs of our community. But, first that’s already governed by the provincial and federal governments. That’s the why are we building an 81 and a half million dollar wastewater treatment plant, is it wasn’t a choice we made.”
The proposal could see a projected increase to residential utility bills by $3.94 for a low
water user and $5.31 for a high-water user with water consumption exceeding 23 cubic metres a month, or 23,000 litres.
Overall, the average Lloydminster residential household would likely see an increase of $4.87 a month, according to the City’s calculations.
For the average commercial user, the average increase could add out to $8.02 per month. For high commercials users in excess of 500 cubic metres per month, that utility bill could increase by $78.57 monthly.
Waste Services could also increase
On Curbside collection, residents could see an increase of 15 cents monthly, up from $16.00 to $16.15.
A trip to the Landfill could go up to $5.35 per month, up from $4.00 under this plan.
Mayor Aalbers also said the City has to take into account capital budget increases and the cost of producing quality water.
“It’s very much a challenge to maintain a zero cost increase over more than a couple years. In this case, it was 2018, the last time the water rate moved for residents and businesses. So I think they can appreciate there has been some slight costs.”
The Committee accepted the utility rate proposal as information and the matter will be brought to a future Council meeting for a decision.
Correction: A previous version of this article contained a typo that stated the waste-water treatment plant would cost 81.5 billion dollars. The correct number is 81.5 million dollars. We apologize for the error.