From The Yuma Pioneer (Tony Rayl):
Following a long discussion, the Yuma City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance setting a new water rate. In keeping with councilmen’s wishes (led by Dan Baucke) to minimize the impact on those on fixed income, the basic rate is being increased only 50 cents, to $8.50 per month for up to 5,000 gallons. The charge for each additional 1,000 gallons per month is going up from 85 cents to $1.25…
Several potential projects are driving rate increase, including a new SCADA system, which controls the water and sewer systems, replacing aging water lines and fire hydrants, and improvements to the water wells and towers, among other potential projects. The extra revenue, which is expected to be about $77,000 annually, will provide reserves for those projects, according to the city, as well as paying about $24,000 from the Water Enterprise to the Electric Enterprise for the electricity used to pump the wells. Even with the increase, the city’s water rates still will be half the average of other northeast Colorado communities.
More infrastructure coverage here.