File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

UTILITY RATES

Kamloops mayor to mull use of reconsideration motion for utility rate increase

Nov 3, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Homeowners in Kamloops are in store for a 25 per cent increase in their water utility rate next year. During Tuesday’s (Oct. 31) regular meeting, Kamloops council narrowly voted in favour of a water amendment bylaw that will see a 25 per cent rate increase in 2024 and the percentages identified over the next five-year financial cycle.

It was a close vote to increase water rates in Kamloops with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Councillors Kelly Hall, Katie Neustaeter and Mike O’Reilly opposed. That leaves Hamer-Jackson to ponder his authority to recall the motion for a second debate.

“I want to maybe look at calling Section 131 on a decision we made (Tuesday), on the water utilities, a 25 per cent increase,” Hamer-Jackson told CFJC News. “You know, I’m talking with (councillors) because the mayor can call Section 131 within 30 days we can reconsider a vote on that.”

Staff recommended the large increase that will see the average household in Kamloops paying $95 more per year. Hamer-Jackson, along with the three other no votes, would only need to convince one other councillor to potentially swing the vote at the next meeting.

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“I thinks it’s a heavy impact on the citizens of Kamloops. I think that we have a lot of things we are increasing — the tax burden is huge on people. I think we really need to respect that,” said Hamer-Jackson.