The Town of Balgonie has reviewed the water and sewer rates to its consumers and it was determined that the rates are not sufficient to support increased operational costs. As the utility rate structure does not pay for all of the utility costs to the Town of Balgonie, Bylaw 456/2023 has been passed which will increase the rates from 2024 to 2026. The rates have been reviewed and approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board (SMB). As an oversight to Utility Rates, the SMB’s approval is based on the following criteria:
- That rates are equitable to all users;
- The Revenue Generated by the Utility is sufficient to offset all expenses including maintenance and debt retirement resulting from borrowing for capital utility projects.
The goal is to have a user pay system where the consumers of the utilities pay for all associated costs. Currently, the utility is subsidized by the general tax levy.
Council has attempted to keep increases at a minimum for water and sewer while ensuring equity to all consumers.
The impact of the changes to utility costs will be as follows:
- Minimum metered water rate will increase by $1.00 per month in 2025 and 2026
- Minimum flat-water rate will increase by $1.10 per month in 2025 and 2026
- Minimum residential sewer rates will increase by $0.70 in 2025 and 2026
- Minimum commercial and community service sewer rates and will increase monthly by $3.24 in 2024 and $0.85 in 2025 and 2026
- Infrastructure fees will increase by $1.00 per month in 2025 and 2026
- Overage rates for water consumption will increase from 2024 to 2026 as per the below table:
| Quarterly consumption range in gallons | 2024 Fee per 1000 gal | 2025 Fee per 1000 gal | 2026 Fee per 1000 gal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,990 to 27,000 | $6.00 | $7.00 | $8.00 |
| 27,001 and up | $10.50 | $12.00 | $13.50 |
The most significant increase will be for consumers that exceed 27,000 gallons per quarter. Utility customers are encouraged to use water conservation and water loss strategies to minimize the impact on their utility expenses.
