Markham
November 28, 2008 03:32 PM
Keely Grasser, Staff Writer
Council has approved a water bill increase of about $94 for an average Markham household.
But, though council traditionally passes on rate increases set by the region, some councillors wanted to discuss the 12.66 per cent regional increase.
“I do feel uncomfortable with a portion of the increase,” Councillor Erin Shapero said. “I have a lot of residents who express concerns, like the 16th Avenue (sewer) project. I think...the cost overruns related to 16th Avenue, I think are being reflected in the charges here.”
She said that 26 per cent of the increase is related to infrastructure costs.
It was pointed out that there’s no way to tell how much of that increase is related to the region’s sewage infrastructure.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti reminded council the region has capital projects it has to undertake.
He added that all of the funds raised through the water bills get put back into water operations in our communities.
However, the mayor forecast that rates will continue to climb.
“I think there is a lot of improvements at the regional level that will force the rates to go up again,” he said.
The motion on the 2009 increase went to a recorded vote but was carried unanimously.
Bills go up as of Jan. 1.