The utility rate by-law is before council in the RM of Coldwell. Reeve Brian Sigfusson explains it affects water and sewer rates as the result of a recent government mandate.

"We've been told by the government we've got to raise it up. You're not allowed to carry a surplus any more. You have to plan ahead I guess a little more; raise your rates up. So, if you do have a problem, you have some money toward it. So, that's what they're working at. They're talking about a 30% increase in the sewer rates. But that isn't for sure yet. They have to approve that."

Sigfusson says it's only passed first reading, and is now in the hands of the government for their approval. He says they're awaiting the government's response.

"Hopefully before the next meeting, so we can get on with it. So, it tells us where we need a budget, too, and that's another reason we need to have it."

He outlines the predicted increase.

"It's about $20 to $25 dollars by-yearly. We even had no increases since 1980, and our costs have gone up drastically since then. We're trying to get close to where we should be, but we won't get there all in one step."