By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito City Commission may take action on the Utility Board’s recommendation on applying fixed water rates for multi-unit residences.
As previously reported in the News, the proposal came about as an initial recommendation by the Utilities Board after researching customer fees paid by apartment/RV tenants compared to residential customers. In some cases, one apartment complex housing as much as 70 to 80 tenants are charged for one meter. El Ranchito Interprise on Line 17 Road, a complex comprised of 94 spaces, pays a $32.62 rate on one meter, according to a breakdown of multi-unit water rates.
Before the commission takes such action, however, the Utility Board will discuss the matter on Monday before making a formal proposal to the commissioners during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
“On Monday we will have a discussion on what exactly the rates are to be,” said Utility Board Chair Pete Claudio. “At the moment everything is still undecided.”
The fees garnered by such a recommendation, officials hope, will help fund water/wastewater improvements that may extend across a third of the city. Specifically, the city is preparing to sell $7.5 million in both certificates of obligation and general obligation bonds to pay for sewer line replacements and additional manholes. Assistant City Manager Hector Jalomo has said that these repairs may extend throughout a third of the city.
Not everyone agrees with the fixed water rates proposal, however. Some tenants at the Luxury Apartments on Stenger expressed concern with not being able to afford the rate. Apartment owners, such as Shirley Vega and Tony Rodriguez, have publicly expressed their disapproval, believing a fixed water rate will pose an extra burden on tenants.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the Aug. 14 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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