Councillors think they're going to have a tough time selling another increase.
City council received a first report Monday on its 20-year wastewater system financial plan.
With operating costs increasing around 2.5 per cent every year and the city only spending around 33 per cent of what's needed to maintain the system, administration is recommending an increase to the sewer surcharge rate. Currently at 75 per cent of the water rate, the plan would bump that up to 90 per cent.
"This is going to be a hard sell for me," Coun. Shelby Ch'ng said.
The report says the average is about $80 a year and median household income in the city is around $80,680.
Coun. Joe Virdiramo said that's misleading. It might not mean much to higher levels of income but think of those with less.
"This is going to be a hard sell to the constituents," he said.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson said she's already received calls and emails from people concerned about the increase.
Council will discuss the plan during budget time next month.
