DIDSBURY -- Didsbury town residents will see their future utility fees rise starting in the month of April on bills sent out in early May, say officials.
Solid waste pickup for residential will increase from $21 per month to $22.50 per month; water for residential, commercial and institutional consumption will increase five cents per cubic metre to $2.40 per cubic metre; and wastewater for residential, commercial and institutional consumption will increase five cents per cubic metre as well to $2.05 per cubic metre.
The utility fees were approved by town council as part of the rate, fees and fines bylaw at the Feb. 26 regular council meeting.
Amanda Riley, Didsbury's chief financial officer, said that the water, wastewater and solid waste departments are user fee supported.
"They have no reliance on property taxes to fund the costs of operating the systems," said Riley. "The water and wastewater consumption rate increases are in response to the increase in charges paid by the town to operate these utility systems."
Riley said the average household in Didsbury uses 12 cubic metres per month and would hence see an increase to their water and wastewater portions of their bill of $1.20 per month.
"Each house will also see an increase of $1.50 per month for waste pickup and disposal, which is also a result of higher costs that are being charged to the town for operation of this department," she said.
"In total, the average household will see an increase on their utility bill of $2.70 per month, or $24.30 for the remainder of 2019 (from April 1 to December 31)."
