EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Water is asking customers to weigh in on four proposed budget approaches that could shape infrastructure projects, staffing and future utility rates.

The Public Service Board discussed the options during its Sept. 30 budget workshop as it begins work on EPWater’s fiscal year 2027-28 budget.

Board members directed staff to bring the scenarios to the community and return with public feedback at a November budget workshop.

The current combined water, wastewater and stormwater budget is about $1.2 billion.

Under the lowest proposed spending option, the combined budget would be 27% lower than the current year, according to EP Water.

That plan would defer or cancel projects, reduce staffing, delay maintenance and potentially result in lost grant funding, EP Water officials said.

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According to EP Water, at the other end, the combined budget would be 25% higher than the current year’s budget. That option would speed up capital projects, including replacement of major pipelines and flood-control improvements, but it would also mean higher customer rates.

We are reviewing several budget scenarios and their impact on customers,” Public Service Board Chair Anna Gitter said in a statement. “Our goal is to keep services affordable while making necessary investments in critical infrastructure. Community feedback will help us adopt a responsible budget that balances these needs.

EPWater staff presented four scenarios:

Accelerated Reliability: The largest capital investment, including quicker replacement of large pipelines to help lower the risk of breaks and outages.Strategic: Focuses on the highest-priority capital projects while balancing reliability, affordability and financial risk.Lean: Reduces capital and operating spending, delays 21 projects and eliminates about 140 positions.High Risk: Makes the lowest capital investment, significantly delays or cancels projects at four treatment plants — including the Pure Water Center — and two other locations, while eliminating 300 positions.

Gilbert Trejo, EPWater’s vice president of operations and technical services, said putting off projects may initially reduce pressure on rates but could increase costs and risks later.

“Delayed or canceled projects can reduce impact on rates, but they will have to be done at some point,” Trejo said. “The more we push them back, the more they will cost and more risks we will face. We will become a more reactional utility rather than a proactive one.”

Staff also proposed a new senior discount for customers age 70 and older. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the Public Service Board’s Nov. 4 budget workshop.

EPWater will hold meetings in all eight City Council districts, plus a communitywide meeting at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center. Customers can learn about the budget scenarios and possible rate impacts, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Dates below:

Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron St. Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Upper Eastside Command Center, 14301 Pebble Hills Blvd. Thursday, Oct. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Valle Bajo Recreation Center, 7380 Alameda Ave. Thursday, Oct. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Northeast Command Center, 9600 Dyer St. Friday, Oct. 16 | 10-11:30 a.m. | TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave. Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave. Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Mission Valley Command Center, 9011 Escobar Drive Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista Del Sol Drive Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | West Side Command Center, 4801 Osborne Drive

The Public Service Board is scheduled to vote on the FY 2027-28 budget, rates and fees on Jan. 13. If approved, they would take effect on March 1.

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