Espanola council will be discussing water metering at its meeting this evening following the release of a study.
Recent complaints regarding the fairness of the town’s water billing structure relating to water meters resulted in staff preparing the report contemplating whether water meters for multi-residential buildings should be permitted.
According to the report, permitting a water meter for multi-residential buildings would be in line with council’s housing strategic goal.
However, staff has confirmed with developers that not moving to water meters for multi-residential will have little, if any, impact on the municipality’s ability to attain housing targets.
Staff’s recommendation to council is to continue with the current water and wastewater billing system with annual rate increases to ensure continued cost recovery for the system’s capital and operating budgets.
Council may also consider adjustments to the definition of apartment buildings that is currently applicable to over eight units.
