EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso Water is weighing four budget scenarios for its next fiscal year, and the utility is asking residents to help shape the decision.<\/p>\n
El Paso Water held a community meeting to gather public input on four proposals labeled high risk, lean, accelerated, and strategic.<\/p>\n
Under the accelerated option, El Paso Water would make its largest capital investment, fast-tracking projects. The high-risk option would make the lowest capital investment, delaying projects, putting $31 million in grants at risk, and cutting 300 positions.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Community Conversations: EP Water weighs 4 budget paths that could change customer rates<\/a><\/p>\n Community members who attended the meeting were able to speak with engineers and project managers. El Paso Water also provided advice on ways customers can lower their monthly bill.<\/p>\n The meeting also introduced a proposed senior discounted rate program and went over their app that lets you track water waste in your home. <\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: <\/a>El Paso Water launches \u201cMy E-P Water\u201d app for billing, usage tracking and outage alerts<\/a><\/p>\n I spoke to two residents who are in favor of the accelerated budget scenario. <\/p>\n “To me, it’s a no-brainer: water is the most important resource after air; it’s imperative that we have a healthy water infrastructure. I definitely support the accelerated platform investment,” said Carlos Villalobos. <\/p>\n “It’s a love-hate because we can go the conservative route, but the growth won’t happen; we are going to need to spend to make. If there is no growth, how are we going to be able to cover all the costs?” said Danny Sander. <\/p>\n The president of El Paso Water, John Balliew talked to us about the usage of funds.<\/p>\n “We are in a period of time where we are trying to catch up and make sure we are getting those projects put in that they should have been put in years ago.”<\/p>\n