BOYLE – Boyle's proposed new utility bylaw will see an increase in fixed distribution costs from $15 to $45 per month while the price of water per cubic metre will also see a rise.
At the May 18 regular meeting, Boyle village council approved first reading of Bylaw 05-22, which will see changes to those water rates and gas distribution charges as well as provide some clarity on billing and sewer line infiltration by roots for residents.
Council passed first reading unanimously, with mayor Colin Derko being absent from the meeting, and Coun. Barb Smith attending via telephone.
The changes come as a result of this year’s budget deliberations. The 2022 budget was approved at the previous council meeting on May 4.
“What has arisen out of the 2022 budget is administration was asked to look at utility rates, and we have made the recommended changes to our utility bylaw,” CAO Warren Griffin told councillors.
Proposed changes to Schedule “B”, regarding natural gas rates, will see that increase for general service from $15 to $45 per month, as well as the elimination of the large commercial category, which paid a fixed monthly distribution fee of $250 per month. Those commercial enterprises will now fall under the commercial category, which has a rate of $75 per month for a fixed distribution rate.
The new bylaw also removes a directive that consumer service levels be determined by the previous year’s consumption every year on July 1.
In addition, Schedule “C”, regarding water rates, will see a charge of $4.99, up from $4.65 per cubic metre. Bulk water rates will also increase from $8.50 per cubic metre to $9.25.
A change to Schedule “D” for sewer rates is also being proposed which will eliminate the stipulation that in the case of demolition, the utility account be deactivated, and all monthly billings cease, and the curb cock be shut and the sewer line capped.
Disconnection and reconnection fees will also increase from $25 to $50 in Schedule “H” which outlines other fees. The gas abatement fee which sat at cost, plus a $15 admin fee has also been eliminated.
There is also a slight change to the verbiage regarding the maintenance of sewer lines. Subsection F, under 8.2 of the proposed bylaw — it states that in the case of a sewer line becoming blocked due to the infiltration of roots, the village is responsible to clear the line from the property line to the sewer main. The amended line used to read ‘natural matter (i.e. roots)’.
Griffin noted more detailed changes could be made following an upcoming policy meeting, but approving first reading provides notice to the public of the proposed changes to come.
