By Corey Fischer

GVAC Explains Water Rate Hike

Feb 9, 2018 | 6:55 AM

Greater Vernon Advisory directors say this year’s proposed water rates hikes shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Director Mike Macnabb says they gave the heads-up last year to increases over the next three years.

“Agriculture was going to pay more, that was discussed. The agriculture folks were not terribly happy, but they recognize things change, and they have to pay their fair share.”

Committee members have given initial support for 3.7 percent increases for agricultural users, and 2.9 percent for everyone else.

The bylaw will be before the board March 8.

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Macnabb says more than half of the revenue (58%) goes to operate the system.

“I know what it costs to put stuff in a tap, or take it away from the other end and it costs money, and people have to recognize it’s not free. I think it’s a very reasonable rate that we’re charging for what they get,” Macnabb tells CJIB News.

GVAC Chair Juliette Cunningham says one percent of the increase is for future water plan projects.

“To address those pieces in our master water plan so that we may not have to ever go to these big referendums to accomplish what we what to do for the water quality,” says Cunningham.

The rate hikes are part of Greater Vernon Water’s 37 million dollar 2018 operating and capital budget.

19 million dollars in capital water projects are in the plan for this year.

by Corey Fischer