By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS
A recommendation by the City of San Benito Utilities Board to the City Commission may result in applying a fixed water rate to individual apartment/RV tenants.
According to Place 4 City Commissioner Celeste Sanchez, the proposal came about as a recommendation by the Utilities Board after researching customer fees paid by apartment/RV tenants compared to residential customers. She said there are some cases in which one apartment complex housing as much as 70 to 80 tenants are charged for one meter.
The proposal is that the commission impose fees per customer, this in hopes of generating further revenue for the city to help pay for water/wastewater improvements. Place 3 City Commissioner Bill Elliott said as much as $718,000 could be generated as a result.
Elliott also stated that the idea of apartments sharing a meter is not tenable, saying that the renters pay ‘pennies on the dollar’ in comparison to the homeowners.
Meanwhile, the city is preparing to sell $7.5 million in both certificates of obligation and general obligation bonds to help pay for sewer line replacements and additional manholes, both of which officials hope can help with the cost of paying for the city’s drainage. Assistant City Manager Hector Jalomo said that the repairs can affect a third of the city.
Christina Infante, who lives at the Luxury Apartments on Stenger, is not as enthusiastic and feels that most renters would not be able to afford the rate.
Tony Rodriguez, an apartment owner, said it would be an extra burden on building owners.
Utilities Board Chair Pete Claudio stressed that the proposal is still in the early developmental stages.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 31 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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