El Paso Water proposed fee increases

The Public Service Board is considering a $55.1 million dollar budget for El Paso Water for the 2017-18 budget year.

The proposed budget would would result in a 61 cent per month fee increase for the average homeowner.

El Paso water will use the increase to expand flood control projects, and maintain existing stormwater system.

“We have prioritized projects that reduce flood risk in high-traffic areas and that have the potential to save lives and protect private property,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew.

New projects proposed budge are the Thomas Manor Pond improvements in the Lower Valley, the Mesa Hills improvements in west El Paso, and the Fairbanks improvements in northeast El Paso.

The first of two workshops regarding the proposed budget has already passed, but a second workshop is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14th at 6 p.m. for the water, wastewater and reclaimed water budget.

The public is invited to the Nov. 14th budget workshop.

The public can also attend the upcoming regular Public Service Board (PSB) meetings on November 9 and December 14.

The PSB will approve final budgets and fee changes on January 11th. The new budget and fees would go into effect on March 1, 2017.