EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board is hosting community meetings over the next two weeks to address concerns about the new water bill fee increase.

Some customers may have noticed the fee hikes on their March water bills.

“I’m not really for it,” said Pier Ramirez. “Summer’s coming up and it’s going to be difficult enough to pay for the cooling cost.”

For people with homes that are up to 1,200 square feet, they can expect an extra $2.38 monthly charge according to the El Paso Water Utilities web site.

Persons with homes that are 1,201 square feet to 3,000 square feet can expect an extra $4.75 monthly charge and for homes that are more than 3,000 square feet the monthly charge is $9.50.

For businesses the charge is $4.85 monthly for every 2,000 square feet and that has some consumers worried that the cost will be passed on to them.

“It might end up affecting businesses so the businesses might have to raise their prices,” Ramirez said.

At the community meetings, El Paso Water Utilities employees will discuss the budget and fees for the stormwater system.

Its web site lists several areas that need repairs or replacements that include 40 channels, 41 storm drains, 2 dams, and 16 pump stations.

In July 2007, city council approved a new utility to manage and fund the stormwater system. The council also gave El Paso Water Utilities responsibility over the system, effective March 1, 2008.

Prior to the change, stormwater management was done by several city departments and funded from the city’s general fund.

Meeting Dates and Times
All meetings start at 6 p.m.

Tuesday April 22 – 4801 Osborne Drive
Wednesday April 23 – 9600 Dyer
Monday April 28 – 10780 Pebble Hills Blvd.
Tuesday April 29 – City Hall, 10th floor conference room – 2 Civic Center Plaza
Wednesday April 30 – 9011 Escobar Drive