KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
Water taxes in South Glengarry would need to rise by seven per cent annually for the next ten years to ensure the townships systems are viable.
That is the gist of a water financial plan developed for the municipality by DFA Infrastructure International Inc. for water treatment plants in Glen Walter, Redwood Estates and Lancaster, and wastewater plants in Green Valley, Lancaster and Glen Walter.
To remain financially sustainable from 2025 to 2034, water rates would need to increase by 7 per cent and wastewater rates by 8 per cent. While historically, water rates have increased by three per cent annually, bylaws permit administration to implement up to a 5 per cent increase without council approval.
Deputy Mayor Martin Lang expressed his concern at the rising costs to maintain infrastructure. But the worry is that the 5 per cent rate increase will not be sufficient to support the water use.
The Township is expected to spend $3.5 million for wastewater capital over the next ten years, with $3.1 million coming from a reserve and the remaining from grants. Operating expenditures over the ten years are expected to increase by 9.4 per cent, from $0.6 million to $1.4 million by 2034.
The purpose of the study is to ensure the Township has sustainable rates being to recover costs for water and sewage services.
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