Homeowners could be facing a new method of calculating their water bills following a recent adjustment to the system. Originally introduced in 2024, the program, approved by the council, aimed to decrease bills for most homeowners. However, it resulted in an unexpected increase for many. To address this issue, the council implemented a fix last year and has now established rates designed to ensure that the majority of homeowners will see lower water bills compared to 2024 for similar water usage.
Despite these adjustments, budget reports indicate that sewer enhancement projects planned for 2026 have been postponed for a year due to the financial implications. The city warns that rate hikes may be necessary to align with Windsor’s sewer master plan.
Mayor Drew Dilkens has issued a directive urging staff to revisit the program and make changes that include providing transparent information to customers for cost control, ensuring equitable storm water fee contributions from large contributors, maintaining residential savings, and generating adequate funds for storm water expenses and infrastructure investments.
During a recent budget meeting, Dilkens emphasized the need to simplify the program, enhance transparency, save residents money, and facilitate cost management for businesses. He expressed frustration over the complexities and challenges associated with the program’s implementation.
The changes in water bills stem from property owners now being billed separately for wastewater and stormwater management following the 2024 council decisions. This new billing model, described as a “fair share” approach, shifts costs from homeowners to commercial and industrial property owners based on the size of impermeable areas on a property that contribute to storm water runoff.
Adjustments made to the program by the city council have impacted the budget, resulting in a shortfall in storm water and wastewater funding. Rising costs, including increased staffing expenses and inflationary pressures, have further strained the budget. To address these financial challenges, the city plans to utilize a portion of its reserve fund to cover expenses and ensure critical projects are completed. However, certain sewer enhancement initiatives scheduled for 2026 will be pushed to 2027.
City officials recognize that relying on reserves to transition to the new program is not a sustainable long-term solution for funding the sewer master plan. With the plan aiming to address flooding issues from past storms and prepare for future climate change impacts, the city anticipates the need for gradual rate increases to sustain the necessary infrastructure investments.
City treasurer Janice Guthrie mentioned exploring options such as securing grant funding from higher levels of government or revisiting the master plan to address future funding challenges. She assured the council that the current reserves are adequate to support the previously approved budget rates.
Mayor Dilkens and property owners like Joe Mikhail have voiced concerns about the program’s impact on businesses and costs. Mikhail, a critic of the program, highlighted how rising expenses, particularly the new storm water fee, have led to vacant properties within his portfolio. The challenges in obtaining credits for reducing storm water runoff have also been a point of contention for property owners.
The city’s credit system offers incentives for property owners to mitigate storm water runoff, but complexities and high costs associated with obtaining credits have hindered their effectiveness. Property owners have invested significant amounts in engineering reports to qualify for credits, with some expressing frustration over the process.
City staff are expected to present a report to the council for review and approval to address these concerns and potential revisions to the program. Mayor Dilkens emphasized the importance of supporting businesses and acknowledged the efforts of city staff in assisting property owners through the issues. The timeline for the report’s submission to the council is currently unspecified.