Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board introduces sewage-rate ordinance that would raise wastewater charges 7% in FY26 and FY27
Summary
The Board of Public Utilities introduced County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance 02-366 to amend sewage (wastewater) service charges; staff said the ordinance would replace a planned 2% increase with two 7% increases in FY26 and FY27. The ordinance was scheduled for a public hearing April 16.
The Board of Public Utilities on March 19 introduced County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance 02-366, which would amend Chapter 40, Article 3 of the county code to change sewage service (wastewater) rates. The ordinance, introduced for publication and a public hearing set for April 16, would replace a previously scheduled 2% increase (effective Oct. 1, 2025) with a 7% increase in fiscal year 2026 and a further 7% increase in fiscal year 2027.
Karen Bridal presented the rate proposal and said the increases are included in the FY26 budget assumptions. She noted the packet included a historical and projected typical monthly-bill chart that shows combined utility impacts for electric, gas, water and sewer. Bridal told the board the wastewater increase proposed here replaces the smaller rate step already reflected in the budget materials and that staff would be available at the April hearing to present more detailed rate examples.
The ordinance was introduced at the meeting by a board member; because this was an introduction, the board took no substantive vote on the ordinance itself. The public hearing on April 16 is the next opportunity for testimony and for the board to consider adoption or modification of the proposed rates.
Ending: The staff report and accompanying bill-impact tables were included in the board packet; staff noted the proposed wastewater increases are part of the overall FY26 revenue assumptions.
