Utility rates are adjusted in Moose Jaw to try and pay for the required upgrades to city infrastructure set out by higher levels of government.

 

Another change to sewer and water bills in the coming years.

As Moose Jaw City Council has given final approval to the Capital Budget this week they also approved a change to the utility rate increase approved last year. Instead of a 5 per cent increase for water in 2008 and 2009 it will now be 10 per cent. The increase will also go from 5 to 10 per cent for sewer rates in 2010 and 2011.

While going over the rates Finance Director Brian Acker says we're still in good position when compared to the rest of the province. "For the average customer, a 60 cubic metre user, the overall cost would be $403 dollars in 2007 and at the end of the 2011 period that would be $560 dollars. In Regina their current 2007 rates are $636 dollars."

So even after the increase we are still paying less for utilities than Regina but Acker also points out Regina is also considering an increase to utility rates because the Queen City is facing the same pressure from higher levels of government to upgrade sewer and water utilities.