Taxpayers in Sechelt are looking at a 10 per cent increase in sewer user fees in 2005 and more possible increases each year for five years to pay for the maintenance and expansion needs of Sechelt's sewer system, which are projected to cost $18,741,300 over the next five years.
Much of that price tag will go to cover refurbishing older sewer system components and a sewage treatment plant expansion or reconstruction.
Day to day operating costs for the sewage system are projected to increase $50,690 from $483,680 in 2004 to $534,370 in 2005.
"This cost increase is made up of general inflation, cost of labour and supplies and repair. This reflects the increased number of repairs being done. As pumps age they require increased maintenance," said a report from district staff.
The district is nearing full capacity at the current sewage treatment plant on Dusty Road and are negotiating with Construction Aggregates and the Sechelt Indian Band to solve the problem.
However, government grants and public/private partnerships won't pick up the total tab of refurbishing Sechelt's aging sewer system. The $18,741,300 budget is based on three policy directives: service extension in Porpoise Bay and West Sechelt, refurbishments of older sewer system components (Ebbtide Plant and Lift Stations) and a Dusty Road plant expansion or reconstruction.
At the March 2 Sechelt council meeting, councillors voted in favour of the proposed tax increase and forwarded the draft five-year financial plan to the Sechelt Indian Band and the Sechelt sewer commission for comment before proceeding with the bylaw to amend district sewer use fees.
At the same meeting councillors adopted a resolution to apply for a provincial infrastructure grant for renovation of the Ebbtide sewage treatment plant and inlet lift station.
