Utility rate increases, discussed during Ponoka town council’s 2017 budget deliberations, had third reading of the bylaw approved at council’s Dec. 13 meeting.
Sewer flat rates were proposed to increase five per cent, while the commodity charge was set to rise by $0.02 per cubic metre.
As per the solid waste contract with Green for Life, the monthly rate for residential garbage pickup will increase to $24.32, up from $22.41. This includes the $6.30 charge for recycling.
Council’s agenda file from its Dec. 13 meeting also stated, “A typical consumer using an average of 20 cubic metres of water per month, will pay an additional $3.28 per month overall.”
The rates take effect on Jan. 1.
The motion to accept third reading of the bylaw was opposed by Coun. Teri Underhill.
Rental renewals
The Ponoka Kinsmen and Kinettes have both had their facility agreements renewed with the town for another five years.
Town council approved the contracts during its Dec. 13 meeting.
The Kinsmen Club Room licensing agreement was due to expire at the end of this year. The renewals are through to 2021 with the rate increasing by $1 per year.
Wed Amendt, director of community services, stated the Kinettes have been using the dining room at the Ponoka Kinsmen Centre once a month for years. However, there had never been any official agreement allowing them to do so.
“Historically, they’ve been doing that for years,” Amendt added.
Amendt explained to council the town would like to move forward with a proper agreement with the Kinettes for five years with the rental fee for the kitchen being waived.