Effective July 1, 2024, the Santa Fe County Public Works Department will implement a 3.3% increase in utility water and wastewater service rates through Fiscal Year 2026. This adjustment, in line with Ordinance No. 2018-3 & 2018-4 approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on June 12, 2018, will be posted on the Santa Fe County website.
The rate increase addresses the rising costs of operations and maintenance of the County's utility water services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 3.3 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Consumers over the past year. According to Ordinance No. 2018-4, Section 12, rates and charges will adjust annually based on the CPI change for the Western Region for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.
These rates will be reflected on customers' August 2024 bill and are outlined in the Water Service Rates and Charges sheet. Customers are reminded that utility bills are due within 30 days of the billing date. Payments not received within 40 days will incur a 1.5% late fee per month on the overdue balance, excluding gross receipts tax.
"We understand that any increase in expenses can have an impact on households, and we want to assure you that we have carefully considered the necessity and fairness of these changes," said a representative from the Public Works Department. "The Public Works Department will use the additional revenue generated from these changes to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure, enhance water quality and reliability, and invest in new technologies that will benefit you, our valued customers."
For more information, please visit the Santa Fe County website at www.santafecountynm.gov or call 505-992-9870 or email sfcutil@santafecountynm.gov.
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