Columbus to update sewer rates and GRT; review audit in May – The Deming Headlight

Columbus trustees discussed proposed ordinances pertaining to sewer, water and gross receipts taxes once again during the third consecutive night of public meetings on Thursday, April 20.

The villages elected body is aiming to update rates for sewer services, boosting revenue for underfunded services and establish a reserve for emergencies. They will also act on language changes to the villages water ordinance, but are not planning to change rates; and update the ordinance pertaining to the waste transfer station.

Karl Pennock, a consultant with the nonprofit Rural Community Assistance Corporation, was again in attendance to discuss his review of the sewer ordinance and his recommended rate change. Under the plan he recommends, the base rate for sewer service would actually drop to $14 from $15 but add adjustable charges based on meter size and average winter water usage, aiming to equitably distribute price increases.

On Thursday, however, Mayor Esequiel Salas voiced doubts that the increase would actually prove equitable, suggesting customers would be under pressure to curtail water use to lower their costs. Although trustees are not considering an increase to water rates, the sewer rates would be based on water consumption during the winter months.

The villages current rate for sewer service is low compared to neighboring systems, but so is its median household income, estimated at $24,487 in 2021 less than half of the state average. The rate change recommended by Pennock would claim less than 1 percent of that average annual income.

Salas said he was unconvinced, remarking, What I see is, a person on a lower income is being forced to use less water, an analysis Pennock disputed.

Salas also recommended that trustees increase standby fees, referring to payments for undeveloped or unimproved properties, to 60 cents, arguing that people holding undeveloped property tend to earn higher incomes and can afford to pay more.

A draft of the new ordinance also provides for an increase to fees charged if the village must install new sewer connections to properties not already connected. A draft of the ordinance under consideration hikes the price-per-foot for new sewer mains from $15 to $75, which alarmed Salas, who said, We have to remain friendly to businesses and residents.

Public Works director Bobby Gomez said installation of new mainlines doesnt happen often but is a lot more expensive now than when rates were last updated in 1998.

The new ordinance is likely to include an increase in fees for dumping effluent from a septic truck as well, currently proposed at $100 per load.

The proposed GRT increase would bring it to .5625 percent, which Salas said would bring the village in line with Demings rate and put us in a better position all around.

The ordinances are due to be finalized in May for a public hearing to decide on passage.

The trustees have called a special meeting for May 11 to go over all 28 findings from the villages financial audit for the last fiscal year. Certified public accountant DeAun Willoughby, who conducted the required annual audit, is expected to appear virtually to review the findings and offer recommendations.

New Mexico State Auditor Joseph Maestas issued a letter of concern to the village over the high number of findings, including repeat findings from previous years, and asked to see a corrective action plan by mid-May.

Algernon DAmmassa can be reached at [emailprotected]

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Columbus to update sewer rates and GRT; review audit in May - The Deming Headlight