Outlook for 2023: cautious with reserves and rate increase between 6% and 10%
The Board of Directors Noorderzijlvest Water Authority on Wednesday, July 6, starting at 2:00 p.m. Items on the agenda include the Framework Letter, Water Level Regulation Plan measures under the Water Framework Directive for Paterswoldsemeer.
Policy Letter: Outlook for 2023
The Board of Directors the management letter, which outlines the financial and other developments expected for the coming year. The outlook is quite different from previous years. Significant cost increases are making the water authority operations water authority more expensive: high inflation, rising material prices, longer delivery times, and additional obligations resulting from collective bargaining agreement developments are to blame.
The board intends to proceed with the planned investments for the coming years.
In this way, the water authority prevents water authority need water authority an (even more expensive) catch-up effort later on. The availability of staff at the water authority and among our service providers is a concern for the board. The supply of materials is also under pressure. Given all the current developments driving up costs, the board anticipates a negative result for 2022. Therefore, the board intends to exercise caution in utilizing reserves to somewhat mitigate an increase in the tax rate. For the wastewater treatment task, the board proposes a withdrawal of at least €1.5 million. This is in line with previous years.
Policy letter outlining an average tax rate increase of between 6% and 10%.
In order to continue implementing the commitments set forth in the administrative agreement and the Water Management Program launched in 2022, the board assumes in this framework letter that the tax rate will increase by an average of between 6% and 10%. In previous years, the board was able to limit the increase to a maximum of 4%. Given the current geopolitical situation and the significantly changed market conditions, this will not be possible for 2023.
Water Level Decision and Water Framework Directive Measures for Paterswoldsemeer
On July 6, the Board of Directors on the proposal to adopt the Water Level Regulation Plan . The Water Level Regulation Plan ensure the best possible water quality for Lake Paterswoldsemeer. It also aligns with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and contributes to a climate-resilient water system that benefits both people and the environment.
Water Level Decision for Paterswoldsemeer
The Water Level Regulation Plan covers 24 water level zones, with changes to the current water levels proposed for five of these zones. Implementation measures are needed to realise these water levels. In addition, measures are needed to make the water system of South Groningen (De Verbetering drainage area) climate-resilient. These measures fall outside the scope of the Water Level Regulation Plan but are necessary to implement the change in the water level of the Paterswoldsemeer. Therefore, funding is being requested for both types of measures in the De Verbetering drainage area. The total amount involved is €2,780,000.
Credit application for Phase 3 of the Paterswoldsemeer WFD Action Plan
The Board of Directors also Board of Directors on a funding request for the realisation measures from Phase 3 of the Paterswoldsemeer Water Framework Directive Action Plan (2022–2027). The aim is to improve and subsequently maintain the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, so that the ecological status (macrofauna, aquatic flora, and fish) can be classified as having “good ecological potential” by 2027. The planned measures include the creation of nature-friendly shorelines and zones, the creation of shelter and spawning grounds for fish, the reduction of leaf litter, and preventive mowing.
The package of measures has been designed to prevent excessive growth of aquatic plants, as this is undesirable given the lake’s recreational use. This will be monitored closely. The total cost of the package is €4,489,000.