Whitewater Region is starting budget planning for 2022.
At Wednesday nights council meeting (November 3rd, 2021), a draft budget was presented by staff.
The proposed rate increase for the 1,078 users connected to the water system in Whitewater Region is $18 for the year ($1.50 a month).
The proposed increase for the 512 users on the wastewater (sewer) system Whitewater Region is $68.40 in 2022 ($5.70 a month).
Township staff said the recommended rate increase for 2022 was $35.94 a month and the $5.70 increase proposed is the lowest possible increase for ratepayers.
Mayor Michael Moore says seniors on fixed income are struggling with water and sewer rates in the township adding some are having to sell their homes and leave.
The water and sewer rates in Whitewater Region were discussed as part of the first budget meeting this week.
The 2021 monthly rate for water users in Whitewater Region is $80.83.
The 2021 monthly rate for wastewater (sewer) in Whitewater Region is $119.74.
On November 24th, council will review the revised budgets with a public meeting scheduled for December 15th and the final budget is set to be approved on January 5th, 2022.