Title
Approval & Recommendation 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 move that the Board recommend Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 02-366 and forward to Council for introduction and adoption. I further move that staff publish as provided in the County Charter.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that BPU recommend this Ordinance and forward to Council for introduction and adoption.
Body
On March 5, 2025, staff presented to the Board a preliminary look at the proposed FY2026 budget and highlighted the need for increases in the wastewater rates. The presentation includes a financial snapshot of the Wastewater Fund and the need for rates increases for FY2026 and FY2027.
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 proposed FY2026 budget includes a 7% increase in FY2026 and an additional 7% in FY2027. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been published to the County website and are attached.
Proposed Schedule:
May 6 County Council Code Ordinance Introduction
June 10 County Council Public Hearing
Alternatives
If this code ordinance is not introduced and adopted, 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