Ratepayers in Espanola will see a slight increase in their water and sewer rates this year.
At its last meeting in December, the Espanola council rescinded the previous bylaw and passed a new one to cover a shortfall reported back in the Spring of 2024.
In her report, department manager Julie Bouthillette stated water and sewer rates are failing to generate enough revenue to cover the increase in operating the town’s water and sewer treatment facilities.
She projected the water and sewer rates would leave a 20% shortfall, so the council agreed to two increases, with a phased-in water and sewer adjustment implemented last July for a monthly increase of $10.19 per month.
The new bylaw allows for a second increase of $10.19 per month effective January 2025.
It also includes a 10 percent increase to the commercial rates.
