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File #: CO0712-25    Version: 1
Type: Code Ordinance Status: Introduction of Ordinance
File created: 2/13/2025 In control: County Council - Regular Session
On agenda: 5/6/2025 Final action:
Title: Introduction of Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-366; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, Article III, Sections 40-201 Relating to Sewage Service Rates
Presenters: Joann Gentry; Philo Shelton
Indexes (Council Goals): Quality Excellence - Effective, Efficient, and Reliable Services, Quality Governance - Fiscal Stewardship, DPU FY26 - 1.0 Provide Safe and Reliable Utility Services, DPU FY26 - 2.0 Achieve and Maintain Excellence in Financial Performance
Attachments: 1. A - Code Ordinance 02-366 Wastewater Rates, 2. B - Publication Notice CO 02-366, 3. C - Frequently Asked Questions-Wastewater, 4. D - WW Rate Approval Presentation
Related files: CO0712-25.1, CO0712-25.2

Title

Introduction of Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-366; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, Article III, Sections 40-201 Relating to Sewage Service Rates

Recommended Action

I introduce, without prejudice, Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-366 and ask the staff to assure that it is published as provided in the County Charter.

Utilities Manager's Recommendation

The Utilities Manager recommends that Council introduce this Code Ordinance.

Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation

The Board of Public Utilities approved this ordinance at their regular meeting of April 16, 2025 and recommends that Council introduce as presented.

Body

The Board and Council previously approved a 2% rate increase effective October 1, 2025. The 7% increase is in place of the prior approved rate not in addition to the approved rate.  The approved FY2026 budget includes a 7% increase in FY2026 and proposes an additional 7% in FY2027. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been published to the County website and are attached.

Proposed Public Hearing Schedule:  June 10, 2025 County Council Public Hearing

Alternatives

If this ordinance is not introduced and approved, revenues will not be sufficient to match budgeted FY2026 revenue which will directly impact cash balances.

Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item

The revenues for FY2026 assume a rate increase and will only be achieved if the new rates are approved.

Attachments

A - Code Ordinance 02-366 Wastewater Rates

B - Publication Notice CO 02-366

C - Frequently Asked Questions

D - WW Rate Approval Presentation