SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The troubled water utility company that services Sunland Park and Santa Teresa said it is considering raising its rates. <\/p>\n
According to the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, customers could see a rate hike following a study that reportedly revealed CRRUA is underfunded.<\/p>\n
CRRUA said that the proposed changes would increase the monthly bill of an average household by about $19.64.<\/p>\n
Breakdown of the proposed changes: Rate study:<\/p>\n
Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea addressed the rate increases, saying “it’s a hard pill to swallow,” but said it was a step in the right direction as CRRUA needs funds to fix its infrastructure problems, such as arsenic in the water.<\/p>\n
Perea acknowledged the mixed reactions from constituents, noting, “No one ever wants to see their bills increase, but I tell people, my Netflix account, when I started, I paid $10, now I’m paying over $26 for my Netflix account.” <\/p>\n
Perea also emphasized that utilities are not immune to economic effects and that the lack of rate increases in recent years has left the utility behind.<\/p>\n
“We need to be realistic about what it costs to really produce the water, to actually treat the water and get that delivered to the constituency,” Perea said.<\/p>\n
Perea added that the City and Dona Ana County are working together to approve the rates, since they both own CRRUA. <\/p>\n
Perea also mentioned they plan to discuss the proposed changes with the community during future meetings. <\/p>\n
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