Water and sewer rates in Bancroft could be going up by 2.5 per cent this year.
That’s the recommendation going forward to Bancroft Council from the Water and Waste Water Committee, after its meeting earlier today. Mayor Paul Jenkins says the town did a lot of research into 2017 costs to come up with what this year’s rate increase should be.
The proposed 2.5 per cent increase will be sent to the town’s auditors to see if it will work.
Originally, the town’s consultant had recommended the rates go up five per cent annually to address an accumulated deficit of around $1.8-million, and to maintain both treatment plants. Future increases will be determined on a year-to-year basis.
However, this would tack onto a 53 per cent rate increase introduced at the start of 2017 which has drawn criticism from many North Hastings residents. Jenkins says the town recognizes that some Bancroft residents are being burdened by the high cost of water and sewer. Because of that, he says the committee is recommending that council set up a water relief fund.
Both recommendations will be in front of council for approval in March. Neither is official until that time. Jenkins says there will be no retroactive costs if and when the rate increase is approved.