EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso Water held its first community meeting Monday evening to discuss a proposed rate increase, which could raise the average customer’s bill by about $10 a month. <\/p>\n
The meeting, held at Marty Robbins Rec Center in East El Paso, is part of several planned discussions on the utility’s $770 million capital improvement program. <\/p>\n
This program focuses on water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood control projects across the city.<\/p>\n
If approved by the Public Service Board, the rate increase would take effect in March.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso Water’s proposed rate hike sparks community concern (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Some attendees on Monday expressed concerns about the impact on individuals with fixed incomes.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s going to be very difficult for those individuals that are on a fixed income,” one attendee said. <\/p>\n
Others felt the meeting did little to alleviate their worries.<\/p>\n
“No it doesn’t. And I’ll tell you why. Because first of all, these projects have been ongoing and, in my opinion, the money has been mismanaged, and that whole water utility needs to be audited,” another attendee said.<\/p>\n
Several other meetings are scheduled throughout this week, with the last meetings scheduled for Jan. 8 at Valle Bajo Rec Center, 7380 Alameda Ave., and Mission Valley Command center, 9011 Escobar Dr.<\/p>\n
All meetings will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a formal presentation scheduled for 6: 00 p.m.<\/p>\n
EP Water’s infographic detailing the proposed rate increase:<\/p>\n
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