TAMRMS#: B06
10.1
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Variable Wastewater Rates
Notice given by: Councillor Killick
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That the variable wastewater rate that is based on 80% of metered water consumption for residential customers be eliminated in favour of variable wastewater rates that are based on 100% of metered consumption for all customers that receive both of these utility services, with this change incorporated into 2024 budget planning and implemented in 2025.
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ADMINISTRATION'S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Killick gave notice on March 4, 2024.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City of Ct. Albert has two different customer classes with two different variable rates for wastewater (2024 rates shown below):
* Non-residential customers pay $2.51 per m3 based on 100% of their metered potable water usage.
* Residential customers pay $3.14 per m3 based on 80% of their metered potable water usage. This rate is 25% higher than for Non-residential.
However, both of the above rates are the same when adjusted to 100% of the metered potable water usage ($3.14 x 80% = $2.51). Applying the same 100% wastewater rate to all customers would not impact the amount that any St. Albert customers are paying and would not change the revenue that the wastewater utility receives to offset costs.
Administration does not know the original purpose behind the two different rates. However, it is likely that the intent was related to seasonal outdoor water usage, given that some customers can have the impression that that they are paying for a service that they are not using with water consumption that does not connect to wastewater plumbing.
The City has our own internal costs to collect and convey wastewater and bill customers, however the majority of our wastewater utility costs are for external conveyance and treatment by Arrow Utilities. This is calculated based ...
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