Prince George, B.C.-The City is  contemplating some changes  to rates charged for  sewer, water, and garbage and there is some good news.City staff  propose the  sewer and water rates  remain unchanged  for  2016 and 2017 because the rate of inflation has not been  at the level predicted when the rates were  last increased.  Under the  current plan,   it was  expected the rates would need to be boosted by 3%  next year and  in 2017, but, the rate of inflation has been below the predicted level,  so  the utilities remain  self  funded with  a healthy  reserve for  maintenance.

Staff also  suggest  a minor increase in the cost of garbage pick up.   The  Regional District operates the Foothills landfill and   is increasing the tipping rates  in each of the next three years.  In order to cover that  increase, staff recommend increasing the cost of a  small  container by $3 dollars a year  in each of the three years,  $4 dollars a year  for a medium container over that  period, while a large container would cost $4 dollars more  next year and  $5 dollars more in 2017 and 2018.

The  proposed changes require  amendments to  the fees and charges bylaw.  The  amendments are expected to be  presented  to Council  in November  in order for them to take  effect  for the next utility billing cycle.