EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Some El Paso County residents who get their water through the East Montana Water System could soon pay more each month if county commissioners approve proposed rate increases set to take effect Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
The proposal calls for a 10% increase to water rates and a 5% increase to sewer rates for customers on the East Montana Water System, which is owned by El Paso County under an enterprise account.<\/p>\n
Under that structure, revenue from customers is expected to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the system.<\/p>\n
RELATED: El Paso County considers water, sewage rate hike amid budget deficit<\/a><\/p>\n Agenda documents and an attached presentation say the proposed increases are being driven by rising costs tied to inflation and wholesale water rates, along with repairs.<\/p>\n FULL PRESENTATION\/AGENDA ITEM<\/p>\n One project highlighted in the documents is a $6 million, 1-million-gallon tank. <\/p>\n The presentation says the county already has a $1 million grant for the project and is applying for an additional $1.6 million. <\/p>\n Without that funding, the presentation says, the project may be delayed.<\/p>\n For a typical customer using 8,000 gallons of water and 5,000 gallons of wastewater a month, the combined monthly bill would increase from $134 to $144, about $10 more. <\/p>\n The water base rate would rise from $46.15 to $50.77, and the sewer base rate would increase from $45.72 to $48.01.<\/p>\n Commissioners are expected to discuss the proposal and take a vote at their meeting next Monday.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: El Paso Water plans new water lines to tackle water main breaks in East Montana<\/a><\/p>\n