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Jemez Springs council adopts higher wastewater rates, approves $230,370 state design grant
Summary
The Village of Jemez Springs approved new wastewater rates (residential in‑village base $59, usage $12/1,000 gallons) in a 3–1 vote and unanimously authorized an NMED grant agreement for $230,370 to design wastewater collection system rehabilitation; councilors raised concerns about impacts on low‑income residents and connected assistance options.
The Jemez Springs Village Council on Aug. 20 approved an updated wastewater rate structure and unanimously authorized a New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) grant agreement to fund design for rehabilitation of the village’s wastewater collection system.
Mayor Mike Nealeigh read Resolution 2024‑022, which sets in‑village residential customers a base rate of $59 and a usage charge of $12 per 1,000 gallons; small commercial customers would pay a base rate of $110 and large commercial accounts a $140 base, with the same $12 per 1,000 gallon usage rate. Outside‑village base rates were set higher (residential base $64, small commercial $115, large commercial $145). The resolution passed on a roll‑call vote, Trustee Judy Boyd and Trustee James McCue voting aye, Trustee Manolito Sanchez voting no, and Trustee Robert Wilson voting aye (3–1).
UNM‑SWEFC consultant Ryan McGee presented the wastewater rate assessment to the Council, describing the methodology and several rate scenarios intended to support necessary maintenance, repairs and regulatory compliance. McGee emphasized the scenarios are designed to improve the long‑term financial sustainability of the wastewater system and answered questions about differential impacts on residential and commercial customer classes.
Trustee Judy Boyd and Trustee Manolito Sanchez raised concerns about the burden on low‑income residents and urged the Council to explore alternative rate structures and links to state and local assistance programs. A community member cited a New Mexico Environment Department survey suggesting Jemez Springs’ rates appear higher than similarly sized communities and urged further transparency and review.
In related action, the Council unanimously approved Ordinance #200 authorizing a NMED award of $230,370 for the design phase of a wastewater rehabilitation project and adopted Resolution 2024‑024 designating Mayor Mike Nealeigh and Wastewater Operations Manager Rose Fenton as the Village’s official grant representatives and signatories for the agreement. The Mayor clarified that the agreement is structured as a loan that will be forgiven upon final approval, effectively functioning as a grant.
Councilors also adopted the Village’s FY 2026–2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (Resolution 2024‑025), which the Mayor said is a precondition for pursuing certain infrastructure grants and projects. The ICIP and the approved NMED design funding are intended to coordinate planning and future construction funding for wastewater system upgrades.
The Council did not delay the rate increase; the Mayor called for a vote after discussion. Trustees who supported the rate change cited fiscal necessity for system sustainability, while dissent focused on affordability for households on fixed incomes and the need for assistance referrals. The Council approved related applications for parks and trail grants in separate motions during the meeting.
