Water rates drop, as Quinte West approves 2018 budget

The price of water in Quinte West should be more manageable next year due to the city’s 2018 budget.

By Bradley Bennett

QUINTE WEST – A glass of water is going to be slightly cheaper for Quinte West residents.

Water rates in Quinte West were set at $20.50 monthly base rate as opposed to the previously approved rate of $25. In addition, customers will see a hike to $1.20 per cubic metre, up from $1.17 per cubic metre.

Council approved its $22.5 million capital budget,  including new water rates Monday night.

Director of the corporate and financial services David Clazie said is aimed at improving water conservation.

“We’ve been able to keep the base charges fairly consistent, so if you conserve water you can pay less in cubic metres,” he said.

The city will be using its own $3.5 million available from the capital reserves, that are made up from taxation and payments made in lieu of taxes from CFB Trenton, along with the annual tax revenues.

The council approved adding $17 million to the city’s debt making it a total of $129.5 million by the end of next year. Major capital expenditures include a new police station, road work, new fire equipment, and the corporate facility at 30 Pellham St.

Council plans to pay back the debt at a rate of about $4.2 million a year.

One of the larger projects the city hopes to accomplish this year is the renovations to the city’s public works building on 30 Pellham St.

This $2-million project will house the Quinte Access buses for the disabled and provide new space for the Trenton Food Bank, along with the original offices. The city is also going to install $400,000 solar panels, which are expected to pay for themselves after eight years due to the energy saving.

Council has approved a new police station with a budget of $12 million. This could allow for a covered area for cruisers, a 401 traffic unit and a space for community groups.

The city is also hoping to partner with the County of Hastings to make a deal on some land to build social housing and this will take $500,000 from the city’s social services reserve.

The city is planning on buying two new busses to replace two old buses in the four bus fleet. This will cost $390,000 and will include new bus shelters.

To look at a full break down of the budget online click here