During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on proposed changes to water usage tiers for fiscal year 2025, particularly the adjustment of Tier 1 from a range of 0 to 9,000 gallons to 0 to 7,000 gallons. This shift has raised concerns among board members regarding the potential financial impact on families, especially those with children.

Commissioner Cruz expressed apprehension that the new tier structure could disproportionately burden larger households, which often require more water for daily activities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the current Tier 1 range to avoid imposing additional costs on families already facing economic challenges. Cruz highlighted that many families, including seniors and those with children, might struggle with increased water bills if the tier is reduced.

In response, officials explained that the adjustment to 7,000 gallons aligns with national averages and the capacity customers typically purchase when paying their impact fees. They noted that while some customers using between 7,000 and 9,000 gallons would see a minor increase in their monthly bills—ranging from $2.50 to $5—most residents use less than 7,000 gallons, which would mitigate the overall impact.

The board acknowledged the need for further analysis on how the proposed changes would affect different households and agreed to gather data to better understand the implications. The meeting concluded with a commitment to consider the concerns raised while moving forward with the proposed adjustments.