Council for the Town of Oliver has increased water rates and its 2012 Budget by 6% and the relationship between fixed meter charges and  water volume fees will stay the same.

Staff had requested an 8.5% increase because of the number of capital projects slated for completion next year – but councillors whittled it down to the essential amount needed to borrow monies for water twinning. Without the expense increase – no grants would be available from the Province of BC to fund the remaining parts of the twinning project north of Oliver.

Costs of $3.2 million are anticipated if provincial government approval is given. The rate for water used would rise to 56 cents per cubic meter.

The water budget must be passed as a bylaw prior to December 31st as rates go into effect in the new year. Other parts of the Town of Oliver budget will be dealt with at later council meetings – most likely after the election.

2012 Budget would include $181,000 being spent on relining Flume 3 – the highest flume in the entire system located on OIB land near Gallagher Lake. The 135m flume would receive a new liner and the structure would be upgraded. Council has budgeted for the drilling and proofing of a new well, time of use controls and a new water meter reader that will cut down on labour costs.

Monday’s budget meeting attracted 7 members of the public including three candidates for office.