The RM of Rockwood council recently held first reading of a utility rate increase for Stony Mountain. CAO Chris Luellman says the municipality hasn't seen an increase since 2007, so it was time. Luellman notes they've been working on a water rate study for the past several months and first reading gives them the opportunity to send it to the Public Utilities Board, which has final approval. He says the RM plans to hold a community information evening about the proposed rate hike on May 23rd in the Stony Mountain rec hall.

Luellman adds the PUB holds a public hearing on any proposed rate increase and that hearing has to happen prior to the RM giving second and third reading of the by-law. He says the whole idea was to get the first reading out so they can make their application to the Public Utilities Board. Luellman notes this will help their utilities become a break-even, adding utilities must be self-sufficient so this increase will get them into that bracket.