Prince Edward County council has elected to seek legal advice before accepting terms on a new bulk water agreement with the City of Belleville.
Since the late 80s, Belleville has provided bulk water to the Rossmore-Fenwood area. Since 2006, the county has handled billing and maintenance and since late 2020 have been seeking a reduced rate for the new agreement.
At Tuesday night’s county council meeting council reviewed a counter offer from the City of Belleville.
Belleville staff drafted an agreement that would see a 10% decrease in price and an offer of either a 10-year term into 2031, or a two- to three-year term.
County staff recommended that council approve the draft agreement with the 10-year term as a two- to three-year term may coincide with the end of the City of Belleville’s bulk water agreement with the City of Quinte West and negotiating at the same time would be unfavourable.
Councillor Ernie Margetson kicked off council discussion with an amending motion.
“Based on the long term implications and the importance of this agreement to this municipality and the water rates of our citizens, I’d like to make an amending motion to refer this back to staff to seek legal advice to make sure that this agreement is in the best interest of the municipality.”
Other councillors quickly agreed and voted to approve the amended resolution to seek legal advice before making a decision.
The current bulk water agreement is up at the end of June.
