Lumy hikes water, sewer rates

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 06, 2013 1:00 AM
Lumby residents will be flushing more money into water and sewer. On Monday, council gave three readings to bylaws that set the water and sewer rates for 2013. “We have to maintain a certain revenue stream to cover depreciation and operation costs,” said Mayor Kevin Acton. For water, the monthly flat rate will go from $12.35 to $13.50, plus the consumption rate will climb from 66 cents per cubic meter to 71 cents. The flat rate for sewer will go from $12.35 per to $13.50 per month, while the consumption fee will go from 41 cents per cubic meter (of water used) to 44 cents. Additionally a new flat rate has been established for multi-family residences (more than six units) at 75 per cent of the flat rate, plus consumption. “Usage went down so we didn’t break even with the utilities,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich. “The good news is people are conserving water but the bad news is it’s too much. The system needs to sustain itself.” The flat rate for garbage collection will go from $11.26 per month to $11.75 while the monthly fee for recycling collection will increase from $1.79 to $1.80.