After shaving pennies off waste and drainage increases, council approved an eight per cent increase in water utility rates this week.
The cause was a decision to transfer the Goldbar waste water treatment plant to EPCOR a couple of years ago; dividends were not paid in full, creating a $4 million deficit, according to the city.
Coun. Jane Batty said that during discussions with EPCOR on Tuesday, it was decided they would increase payment from $135.8 million this year to $138 million in 2011.
Meanwhile, a $500,000 cut to sewer services was resolved so services would not be affected.
“The money will come from the design and construction (department) of drainage,” said Coun. Ben Henderson.
