Bulk Water rates for 2012 and 2013 and sneaking in the Deep Water Intake

Some earlier decisions should be reconsidered.

No approval or serious discussion has taken place at the Water Committee about the Deep Water Intake.  While it would provide some benefits the cost is a huge concern.  The DWI is a key part of the RWS.  Yet financing the DWI was put into the document supporting the increase in bulk rates that were approved last year.

I had made a presentation to the Water Committee year to reduce the bulk rate by removing the conservation funding of 12 cents/m3 and to not increase rates for 2012 & 2013.   I was very disappointed when it got approved and felt let down by the directors.  

Here are some quotes from the Staff Report supporting the increase in Bulk Water rates for 2012 and 2013.

In addition to capital works, the service has also implemented the Comox Valley WEP with a goal to
reduce water consumption over the next several years. Water consumption is projected to decrease by approximately 15 percent by the year 2014, resulting in a reduction in revenues for the service.
Again, this will result in a need to increase the bulk water rate to ensure there is sufficient revenue to cover the total service costs.

Although the service could be funded for some time with the existing bulk water rate, it is
recommended that the rate be increased gradually over several years rather than implementing a large increase in the year it is required.

...

Total costs for the above projects are significant with the deep water intake project contributing to
two thirds of the total capital required. Considering the capital projects and water use projections
listed above, the following Table No. 4 shows the debt charges projected for the CVWS and how
these charges change year over year as capital works are completed. It can be seen that debt charges
almost double over the next seven years.

Water Committee approved it with only Jangula opposed.  Phelps, Presley, Ives and Fletcher were in favour.

Board approval was unanimous.  When Larry saw how the other Courtenay directors were voting he didn't lift his hand.