By LYN TREMBLAY

Norfolk County’s urban residents are already paying the highest rates for their water and wastewater services and they are about to go higher.

Last week County Manager of Treasury and Financial Services John Ford presented his Proposed Rate Supported Operating Budget for consideration by councillors. They approved recommendations that will see residents who consume 20 cubic metres per month at a cost of $94.90, paying another $5.30, equating to an annual hike of $63.60 or 5.6%.

Compared to other areas across the province, Norfolk County’s rates are the highest. Mr. Ford stated that cities such as Guelph, Brantford and St. Thomas pay much lower fees compared to counties such as Norfolk, Haldimand, Brant and Kawartha Lakes because smaller systems with fewer customers cost more.

In order to meet the county’s rate supported budget $16 million will be required in 2010, up from $15.3 million in 2009. Rates have increased 60% since 2004. “This represents a significant increase over and above the regular day-to-day living costs (according to the Consumer Price Index) which rose 11% over the same period,” stated Mr. Ford.

He also warned the wastewater portion could increase substantially over the next few years due to the number of capital projects replacing facilities across the county, despite funds received from Provincial and Federal programs.

In 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, monthly rates increased $3.22, $6.24, $5.12, $6.83, and $5.59, respectively.

Comparing those figures, Councillor John Wells stated, “if we look for a silver lining, 5.6% is less than some increases in the last few years. Do you want clean safe water and do you want your grey water disposed of? If so, this is what we are going to have to pay.”