A Shift to Higher Variable Rates May Increase Local Business Water Bills by $30+ Monthly

Council is recommending increasing the water budget by 5% for local residents and businesses from their only budget meeting held on January 8th, 2024.

While the water tax increase of 5% appeared to be unanimously supported by Mayor and Council, the item that received the most attention was changing the fixed/variable portion of your water bill. Currently the ratio is 50% fixed and 50% variable. City Council will discuss a shift from the current 50% fixed, 50% variable rate structure to either a 45% fixed/55% variable or a 40% fixed/60% variable structure.

There seemed to be strong support from Mayor and the majority of council to shift the ratio. Two councilors, Councilor Tanya Vrebosch and Councilor Mark King however spoke up and raised concerns about the impact this change would make to local business owners and not for profit organizations like restaurants and the YMCA and the Ski Hill.

Councilor Tanya Vrebosch asked council and staff to reach out to local business and not for profit organizations before passing this change to get their feedback on how this will impact them. At this time, Report North Bay is not aware if local business organizations like the NBDCC or DIA will be making a presentation (or have submitted their concerns) to City Council to how this may or may not impact their members. In attendance at the water budget was former councilor Johanne Brousseau who has attended every council meeting since the bringing of the new term back on November 15th, 2022 keeping notes.

A public meeting will be held on Jan. 15, at 5 p.m. Residents can also share their comments via email at budget2024@northbay.ca.Review the agenda: https://bit.ly/41Wi2Yu