Niagara Region staff are not recommending a deferral on the water and wastewater budget increase for this year.
During this morning's Public Works meeting, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Ron Tripp explained most of the water budget increase for this year is due to necessary infrastructure investments.
He says although he realizes some residents may have trouble paying their water bills due to COVID-19 related financial troubles, to date just over 3% of the complete billable amount has not come in.
Tripp says the region is working with municipalities on late fee and penalty forgiveness.
The average increase for residential users is $23 - $35 over the course of this year.
If council were to defer the rate retroactively back to the beginning of this year, the region would face a revenue shortfall of $4.5 million.
Niagara Region staff are not recommending a deferral on the water rate for this year.
During this morning's Public Works meeting, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Ron Tripp explained most of the water budget increase for this year is due to necessary infrastructure investments.
He says although he realizes some residents may have trouble paying their water bills due to COVID-19 related financial troubles, to date just over 3% of the complete billable amount has not come in.
Tripp says the region is working with municipalities on late fee and penalty forgiveness.
The average increase for residential users is $23 - $35 over the course of this year.
If council were to defer the rate retroactively back to the beginning of this year, the region would face a revenue shortfall of $4.5 million.
Committee received the report as information. Regional Council ultimately has the final decision.