Rocky View County (RVC) council has approved the 2024 Master rates Bylaw, which outlines fees the County charges for services, that will take effect May 1, 2024.
In approving the 2024 Master Rates Bylaw, council included an amendment to maintain the current 2023 water and wastewater utility rates within the bylaw until further review at an upcoming council meeting. According to a County press release, this will provide an additional opportunity for council to "consider options intended to transition rates to a full cost recovery model for these services, as well as the potential impacts."
"I believe the minimal rate adjustments for 2024, and the approved bylaw will allow us to maintain the most effective and efficient municipal services for our residents, while upholding financial responsibility," said Division 3 Coun. and Reeve Crystal Kissel in a statement announcing the new bylaw.
Updates to fees in the Master Rates Bylaw include an adjustment from a flat rate to a tiered fee for the conceptual scheme fee in order to build better fee management. Small updates to self-haul garbage and recycling fees to cover cost recovery for services, and an adjusted cemeteries fee.
Additional updates include a $100 cost for appeals under the Agricultural Rest Act and a $500 fee for appeals under the Weed Control Act. There will also be a new fee related to surveyor costs for arranging land transfers and sales arrangements for "closed road allowances."
As per the Municipal Government Act, the fees and charges within the Master Rates Bylaw are collected by local governments to cover the cost of the services provided, such as waste collection, water supply, and maintenance of public spaces.
Once the Master Rates Bylaw is finalized by the County, the full 2024 Master Rates Bylaw and fee schedule will be made available for the public to read and look through on the County's website.
