Stettler County has deferred the decision on a ratepayer request for a waterline connection to a later date following discussion during the June 25 council meeting.
The ratepayer rater, whose existing water source is an onsite well, is requesting a three-inch line to allow for both residential use and the watering of cattle on the quarter.
Under existing Stettler County bylaws, the ratepayer would be charged a connection fee of $20,000 to offset construction fees. However, the ratepayer's residence would require a run of around 850 metres from the nearest existing waterline connection.
A preliminary estimate for the construction of the waterline puts the cost around $56,500, well shy of what the connection fee covers.
"This is a bit of a tricky one," said Coun. Justin Stevens. "The one north of this, we required them to pay for two connections to get closer to cost recovery."
Coun. Dave Grover agreed with Stevens, noting that he disagreed with the County "picking up that $36,000," but if the ratepayer wanted to pay for the excess, that was another conversation.
As written, if the project were approved, the excess funds would come from Stettler County reserves.
In a motion by Coun. Les Stulberg, council deferred the decision for the water connection, instead having the area councillor speak with the ratepayer, collect more information and possibly get more connections on the route.
"Two hookups on the system would likely expedite the hookup," said Stulberg.
