The Town of Stonewall's experiencing a utility deficit, and is in need of changing its utility rates.

Mayor Lockie McLean says they submitted a change proposal to the province, and can't do anything until they receive a response.

"We're still waiting for the province to come back with the proposal that we had," explains McLean. "We're expecting it early in the new year. We know that the utility fund right now is under-funded, basically. It's because our water rates are too low. But we need an approval to change them to come from the province."

McLean notes they've been in a deficit more often than not for the last decade, noting utilities rates need to be covered by the costs incurred by residents. He says the deficit came into being after changes to accounting occurred in 2009 for the way that municipalities account for the amortization of their equipment in the utility fund.

McLean adds many municipalities experienced the same problem since that time.