Water Utility To Raise Rates For New Fiscal Year
By Miguel Martinez
EL PASO — The Public Service Board voted Wednesday morning to approve a nearly $240millionbudget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Also approved, was a sewer and water rate ‘adjustment’ that is effective after February 29. What does that mean for customers?
The new increases mean the average residential water bill will increase by $3.59, from about $36.80 to $40.39. An increase in water rates over and above the stormwater utility budget that begins operating March 1 will no doubt leave customers with a bad taste in their mouths.
According to the PSB’s President and CEO, Ed Archuleta, the budget and the increases are consistent with the board’s plans for economic development, the expansion of Fort Bliss and funding for growth in all areas of the city.
The operating budget of $79.78 million represents a 3.8% increase over the previous year’s budget, attributed to rising costs in water rights, fuel and transportation, chemicals and electricity.
The board reduced the budget for water conservation programs by over $2 million and El Paso Water Utilities will no longer offer rebates for purchasing ultra low-flow toilets, installing refrigerated-air systems, nor for replacing grass with water-efficient landscaping materials.
The rebates for water-efficient washing machines will continue.
The capital budget of $97.76 million will fund several renovation projects including more than $22 million for the Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant. Funds were also earmarked for the purchase of equipment as well as to extend water lines for reclaiming water into North-Central El Paso for Fort Bliss.
