City council is looking to help seniors and those with disabilities pay their water bills.
Council voted at Tuesday night’s discussion on the operating and capital rate supported budget to increase the water rate rebate program. More than 160 applied for the rebate last year, which cost the city a total of about $16,000.
The program is to assist seniors and those with disabilities.
Mayor Keith Hobbs asked if it was possible to increase the amount given for the water rebate program from $100 to $200.
“I’m getting a lot of calls from seniors in particular on the water rate,” he said. “We’re getting a lot of complaints from seniors or at least I am about the water rates. If we’re going to stick to the policy that’s in place maybe this is something that we can take advantage of. Maybe they aren’t taking up the offer because it isn’t a great amount.”
Carol Busch, general manager of Finance and Corporate Services for the City of Thunder Bay, said they have budged $100,000 for the program and increasing it would not impact the 2013 budget.
The city's water rate is expected to go up by 7.1 per cent effective April 1. The sewer surcharge rate will remain at 75 per cent of the water rates for 2013.
