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By Liam Verster

Three per cent a year

Vernon residents will see sanitary sewer rates increase over the next five years

Oct 26, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Vernon residents will see their sanitary sewer rates increase three percent annually over the next five years.

Vernon city council heard during the regular council meeting on Monday, Oct. 25 that the rates need to be increased by three per cent annually from 2022 through 2026 to provide sufficient financial resources for the sewer fund.

Administration told council that the fund is used for the systematic renewal and maintenance of Vernon’s sanitary sewer system.

The sewer fee hasn’t been increased since 2013, and administration told council that the annual fund has been decreasing since that time. It’s estimated that approximately $4.4-million is needed to adequately maintain the system, but only $3-million is coming into the coffers.

As the annual fund is decreasing, it affects the ability to perform sanitary sewer asset renewal projects that are important in providing reliable service to customers.

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Administration noted the rate increase would only apply to the base fee, and not the consumption fee, and that this increase would make up for the $1.4-million needed annually to maintain the service.

Council voted in favour of endorsing the annual three per cent hike. This will be done by amending the Sewer User Rates Bylaw, which will be brought before council for its first three readings at the next council meeting.