Utility changes made

A raise in the deposit cost for opening a water account and eliminating a few service fees for water customers are among the changes made to the Portales Utility Administrative Policies that will go into effect Oct. 1.

Portales city councilors approved changes to the Portales Utility Administrative Policies at last week's city council meeting, as recommended by the city's Public Works Committee.

The deposit for residential and industrial properties will rise from $60 to $100.

Portales Public Works Director John DeSha said the changes have been made to cover the cost of the first and last water bill of an account and to cover the money lost from residents not paying their final bill.

Karen Chandler, billing supervisor for city accounts, estimated that the city had about a $45,000 deficit last year caused by water customers not paying their final bill.

"Raising the deposit will help defray that cost," DeSha said.

Other notable changes to the policy include:

• The service connection fee for a water account increased from $7.50 to $25.
• The service fee to fix issues such as water leaks after hours and on weekends has been eliminated if you are a customer in good standing.
• Service connection hours have been extended by one hour until 4 p.m. on weekdays.
• The water service restoration has been increased from $15 to $25.

The city has about 5,000 water accounts, according to Chandler. The number of accounts goes up and down with the influx of college students and military personnel moving in and leaving.

DeSha said the majority of the changes will not affect water customers that already have an account.

Though a few of the changes were created to offset the money lost from delinquent accounts, DeSha said changes have also been made to assist customers.

The extension of connection hours was made to give those who work during the day a larger time window to get home.

The city has also added more drop boxes at city hall to make payment more convenient.

City officials hope that with the raised fees and changes made, they will break-even.

Chandler estimates about 100 new accounts this fiscal year with the new semester at Eastern New Mexico University and a wave of new military personnel in the area.