Council Approves 2024 Utility Budgets

Today, Council approved the 2024 Operating Water and Wastewater as well as Solid Waste Utility budgets and the respective utility 10-year Capital plans. Both utilities are user pay services, which are self-funded by the users; no tax revenue is used to support these two utilities.

The Water and Wastewater utility treats and distributes safe drinking, services fire protection water, collects and treats wastewater for both the City of Kenora and Wauzhushk Onigum Nation. The Water and Wastewater Utility Budget funds all aspects of treatment, distribution, collection, instrumentation, chemical, and infrastructure costs associated with this level of service.

The Water and Wastewater 2024 utility budget maintains the previously approved 3.1% annual rate increase, which was implemented for the term from 2021-2026 which supports the ongoing replacement of existing assets, begin to address the infrastructure deficit, and improve revenue stability. The changes from the 2023 adopted to the 2024 adopted is $1,254,771. Highlights include:

1. Projected increase to revenue through previously approved water rates of $364,491
2. Increase in fees and charges for the utility of $115,000.
3. Increase in expense for capital needs assessment in the amount of $250,000
4. Wastewater treatment plant facility upgrade $200,000
5. Water rate review $150,000 and other general increases.

The Solid Waste utility manages the City’s solid waste by processing garbage through curbside collection and self-delivery to the Transfer Station. The utility funds the area landfill and area depots for material drop off north of the bypass.

The Solid Waste 2024 utility budget changes from the 2023 adopted to the 2024 adopted is $295,093. Highlights include:

1. Projected increase to revenue through fees and charges of $265,000
2. The utility will see a variety of small increases for fleet operations and facility upgrades.

Adopting the annual utility budgets early in the previous year is unprecedented for the City. Early adoption allows for capital works to be tendered in a timely manner, allowing for projects to be completed on schedule within the approved budget year. We recognize the time and efforts made by City staff, who worked diligently in partnership with Council, towards developing a budget that addresses the needs of these utilities to operate fiscally and self-sufficiently.

Ryan Marsh, Director of Finance/Treasurer