[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6689473,"mediaKeyId","2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a","parentId",2336625,"title","Rio Rancho proposes multi-year water and wastewater increases, raises water-rights fee and bulk-fill charge","audioSeconds",730,"startMs",1593000,"endMs",2323000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a&start=1593&end=2323","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a/thumbnail_1593000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6689473/Rio-Rancho/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Rio-Rancho-proposes-multi-year-water-and-wastewater-increases-raises-water-rights-fee-and-bulk-fill-charge","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689473-4d508d1ab13e702ffa2dc7613d078770/orig.mp4?Expires=1775223582&Signature=in6Irj-7e1G6zk3skuG6zvaqauRykjXBnemWuWOp6RZqLP2w4L7NsDd--Gnksrg-pcZ-zs2p2vaxiK1YUUsj0EQkdqP7uo0Xub0ghoVyTwfN7qCQr32Cl5eAzkPlyblYJyvFDql5VqTyTGB~jJAt5JMv-4X-QOJkU5xSutaQH7Jpp5SlrHvHAwSbqF3e9DTGu-xdza3neYWr-~CchJP14041lEYWq1r5jAtXpvLwWmhI8nqbGAzGtVzz0I5w4kmTp4Gsl1QiVczvIn3U2FWtqFUTIotrKp1jupEh9mTHv9p5-tyyAIF5wkOVNRzPwxfdEZqE6RY9QwKrrdxVLfNjmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rio Rancho","date","2025-02-18T15:00:00Z","article","City of Rio Rancho utilities staff presented a proposed five-year rate package that would increase water and wastewater user rates by 3% annually beginning July 1, 2025, update water-rights acquisition fees and raise the offsite bulk-fill station price to help fund major capital projects and rising operating costs.

The proposal matters because the utilities department projects large capital needs — including $64M in wastewater and $82M in water production projects over the planning period — and rising operating costs; staff said the rate package and planned debt will keep the system solvent and fund planned reinvestments without a sudden, larger single-year increase.

Steve Gallegos, acting director of utilities, reviewed recent rate history and drivers. He said the current ordinance already schedules a 1.75% annual water-rate increase (wastewater has remained at 0% since 2017). Staff modeled two scenarios: status quo (1.75% water, 0% wastewater) and a study scenario that assumes 3% annual increases for both water and wastewater plus bond proceeds in FY 2026–27. Under the status-quo model, staff showed reserves falling and shortfalls as capital projects proceed. Under the 3% scenario staff said the system meets its revenue requirements and maintains healthier cash positions across the planning period.

Gallegos listed major capital projects driving the need for revenue: a membrane-bioreactor expansion at Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 (estimated over $25M), relocation of Lift Station 2 ahead of the Southern Boulevard project, installation and replacement of sanitary force mains along NM-528 and a program of well rehabilitation/redrilling and water-production projects. Staff said utility bond proceeds — roughly $50M projected for the period to fund about a third of the utilities ICIP — are expected in FY 2026–27 and were included in the modeling.

On water-rights acquisition, staff said the city must buy 728 acre-feet every five years under its current permit and has a remaining liability of roughly 3,400 acre-feet to acquire. Using an illustrative future average cost of $38,000 per acre-foot, staff estimated a long-term acquisition need on the order of $130 million; current acquisition fees generate roughly $3.4 million per year and staff proposes a fee adjustment that would add about $0.30 per month to the average residential bill in FY 2026 and about $1.66 per month by FY 2030.

Staff proposed increasing the bulk-fill station charge (a station outside city limits that serves customers without system access) by roughly 5% over the FY26–30 period — adding about $0.50 per thousand gallons in FY 2026 — to keep that facility covering costs; the bulk-fill station has about 368 customers and generates about $90,000 annually under the current $10 per thousand-gallon rate.

Gallegos summarized the package as a combined effect of approximately $2.90 more per month in FY 2026 on an average water and wastewater customer (staff later noted that combining water, wastewater, water-rights and bulk-fill adjustments yields roughly $3.25–$3.75 in the first year) and a cumulative average-bill increase of about $15–$16 by FY 2030 under the proposed schedule. Councilors emphasized predictability and smaller annual increases rather than a large single jump; Councilor List said, “I would much rather budget $3 a year or $3 a month now than for you to ask me to do $15 a month in the future.”

Councilors and staff discussed cost drivers: energy, chemicals, contract operator costs, construction cost inflation and potential PFAS-related regulations that could increase wastewater-treatment costs. Staff recommended keeping smaller, steady increases and reassessing water-rights acquisition fees and the bulk-fill rate at intervals; staff proposed bringing ordinances to adopt the FY26–30 rate schedule in March so the new rates could be incorporated into the FY26 budget and take effect July 1, 2025.

No formal vote was taken at the work session; staff will return with draft ordinances and supporting analysis for readings in March.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rio Rancho - Governing Body Work Session - Feb 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City utilities staff proposed a five-year rate schedule that would raise water and wastewater user rates by 3% annually beginning July 1, 2025, adjust water-rights acquisition fees and increase the bulk-fill station charge to fund capital projects and rising operating costs.","taxTitle","Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, New Mexico","taxId",2726,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689478,"Rio Rancho staff propose $32 million revenue bond to finance Unser Boulevard widening and Fire Station 8",874,671000,1545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a&start=671&end=1545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a/thumbnail_671000.jpg","/articles/6689478/Rio-Rancho/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Rio-Rancho-staff-propose-32-million-revenue-bond-to-finance-Unser-Boulevard-widening-and-Fire-Station-8","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689478-45a02a9ca51fff78e21d044dfce755e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775223582&Signature=odcbNSZyBihXP1BGjwjULcsaBzsctxPl4ksNvWHUy8CyG8URqSmN0I~hRVkafAJAawCtFirBZVS3AAeqUwaBW6k8SeGDuq5UXvXAvmdEE-HS0XzNaP--4W~gvUTLncUUsAloLmqg3UFQM7sOoPWhKrb47BG8~EpQKMgviM4vqmt9lpMiSDzwjQcDV8FicTxioKei3H1NO~j86e9uOGVik27AUNCzle6u9pDJ5bW4k~Ca6QddUxwEsvE4EGIxxpz916qwV~Cx9JFeonOGDrYHAZxnXenrCrepOvSDJdybXHXbP0j73KLVw6kHe1GCV8NwzZe4NUaTWfvKXSHcJuWAQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Rio Rancho staff on the governing body’s work session presented a plan to issue a $32 million revenue bond to finance two capital projects: the Unser Boulevard widening (phase 2B) and construction of Fire Station 8.

The proposal matters because it would use a limited-obligation revenue bond — pledged to a portion of the state-shared gross receipts tax — to fund major transportation and public-safety projects without a voter referendum; staff said the governing body’s approval is required to proceed.

Director Jaramillo opened the presentation by describing staff’s proposal and the difference between general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Staff said the revenue bond would not require voter approval and would be secured by a pledged revenue source; staff identified the pledged source as the state-shared gross receipts tax. Don Martinez, capital and grants supervisor, outlined the proposed allocation of bond proceeds and related funding sources: staff proposed allocating roughly $16.2 million of bond proceeds toward the Unser Boulevard reconstruction and $13.7 million toward Fire Station 8, with the remainder for issuance costs, contingency and design for a multigenerational center.

For Unser Boulevard (reconstruction from Cherry Road west), staff presented an anticipated April bond sale and a May closing after which funds would be available. The project funding plan includes approximately $11.6 million in federal grants, $2.0 million in New Mexico match funds and $2.0 million in road impact fees in addition to the bond proceeds. Staff said the Department of Transportation (DOT) approvals — including environmental and right-of-way certifications required by federal TIP funding — are underway and the city will request federal reimbursement as eligible.

For Fire Station 8, staff said design is underway and estimated total project cost at about $14 million after accounting for prior design expenditures and a remaining state grant balance. Timelines presented estimate construction start dates in 2026 and completion during fiscal year 2027 for both projects in staged fashion; staff also described projected cash-flow timing tied to federal reimbursements and a planned $9 million transfer from the strategic initiative fund to bridge cash until reimbursements arrive.

Staff reviewed the procedural steps needed to issue the revenue bond: a parameters ordinance with first reading proposed for March 13 and second reading on March 27, followed by a negotiated bond sale in April and closing in May. Staff noted the city already has revenue debt pledged to the state-shared gross receipts tax for other projects and that some general-obligation debt is currently outstanding.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about DOT certifications, timing of federal reimbursements and the source pledged to the bonds. Staff confirmed TIP/DOT certification steps are underway and that federal reimbursements can take months for processing; staff said the city budgeted for additional debt service in its five-year plan to anticipate issuing revenue bonds. No formal vote was held; staff will return with the parameters ordinance for readings in March.","City staff proposed issuing a $32 million revenue bond, pledged to state-shared gross receipts tax, to fund $16.2 million toward Unser Boulevard phase 2B and $13.7 million toward Fire Station 8; staff outlined timelines, additional federal and state grants, and scheduled ordinance readings in March and a bond sale in April.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689483,"Rio Rancho staff outline changes to Development Services Process Manual, schedule public review",486,71000,557000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a&start=71&end=557","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336625-eb323349dc8790af1a6ed84e57cc489a/thumbnail_71000.jpg","/articles/6689483/Rio-Rancho/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Rio-Rancho-staff-outline-changes-to-Development-Services-Process-Manual-schedule-public-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689483-a88191f9d0b9d758a3fbe9444c5bcde2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775223582&Signature=EQAE6zYOAoivPkUphK-ffTvlbzOE6KFZLqb6FAWbi2AWTYom6-BqzjSzMXAjCm1IQxDKLkLyhQmQwjUznqJrofQx8aEwBhcg4NFBgfzPFwliKIH0HToOGhkO6iJ3Plpc~Jp117Rd~FriZrLsPzhpl2Nazgfcs5jk69I6fhWny65tJtr6N2JsZSLHIfs6G0vJ7cj2Q5odjGyyOf6leJiMlahVqjYFRQdXkZ48Pvm8sHvEJhPkkYfEy1Pi7zIYAbv38SGAa6WzB16HBSCcCR3LHsod0hExvxSEMckqPp-F~jnvw7SkoHceGcogsFr5hciLO2NEe8q9eZ8cknK3BdVmvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on the Rio Rancho governing body’s work session presented an interim update to the Development Services Process Manual, describing proposed edits to when developers must submit site-specific plans and corridor plans, new definitions and minimum standards for park components, and clarifications to transportation scoping and utility coordination.

The changes matter because they define the timing and content of developer submittals and the city’s minimum park and transportation standards, which affect future development approvals and capital projects across Rio Rancho.

Amir Rincon, director of development services, told the governing body the draft responds to feedback from the Home Builders Association, developers and city staff since the December work session. He said the draft will add the phrase “as required by zoning” to trigger a site-specific plan and will require corridor planning when an arterial is identified in a traffic impact analysis (TIA). Rincon said developers raised questions about when a corridor plan would be triggered and the city proposes triggering it by the TIA requirement, citing the West Side Boulevard study as an example.

Staff also proposed expanding park “activity element” definitions to explicitly include playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts, skate parks, exercise equipment and active-sport systems such as disc golf. For parks larger than 3 acres, staff proposed a minimum of 1 acre of irrigated turf while retaining a path for a variance or waiver to that standard. Transportation changes would add language to road functional classifications and typical sections to ensure scoping meetings consider all adopted plans and that coordination with utility owners remains the developer’s responsibility.

Councilors responded with appreciation and a few substantive points. Councilor Wyman complimented the level of vetting from staff and the consultant. Councilor List thanked staff “for taking my feedback about Splash as an ADA equipment,” stressing accessibility for park amenities. Councilor Datsch thanked staff for availability and one-on-one meetings.

Next steps outlined by Rincon and staff: an open house at City Hall on March 11, an open house at the Decker offices on March 20, a DPM committee review scheduled for April 3, a governing-body work session with the final report on April 15, a 30-day public comment period afterward, Planning and Zoning Board consideration in May, and governing-body action in June. Staff said parallel text amendments to Chapter 155 will follow if ordinance changes are needed.

The presentation included staff and consultant availability for one-on-one follow-up; no formal action or vote was taken during the work session.

City staff will return with a revised draft after the scheduled outreach and committee review.","City staff presented draft changes to the Development Services Process Manual that clarify when site-specific plans and corridor plans are required, expand park amenity definitions, and set irrigation standards for parks; staff and consultants will hold two open houses and seek committee and governing-body review in March–June.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rio Rancho proposes multi-year water and wastewater increases, raises water-rights fee and bulk-fill charge

Rio Rancho staff propose $32 million revenue bond to finance Unser Boulevard widening and Fire Station 8

Rio Rancho staff outline changes to Development Services Process Manual, schedule public review