Public Service Board Proposes Reduced School District Storm Water Rates

In a special June 11 meeting, the Public Service Board authorized El Paso, Texas, Water Utilities to adjust the storm water fees currently charged to school districts. If approved by the El Paso, Ysleta, Socorro and Canutillo independent school districts, the rates would be effective Sept. 1.

The proposal would waive all storm water fees billed to school districts from March through August 2008. From September 2008 through February 2009, the districts would be charged 25 percent of the non-residential fee, and any money collected to date would be credited toward bills issued at that time. Effective March 2009, the permanent storm water fee for school districts would be 10 percent of the non-residential fee.

Beginning Sept. 1, storm water fees for the four districts would total $18,819 per month. This would be reduced to $7,528 in March 2009, a combined savings of $11,291 per month. The board’s proposal to waive the storm water fees billed prior to Sept. 1 would save the districts an additional $414,903.

In authorizing the new rate structure, the board recognized that the school districts’ primary goal is to educate students; however, it remains committed to keeping their properties, students, faculty and staff safe from storm water runoff. The new proposal provides additional, long-term relief to the districts, which allows them to focus on their mission of educating students while addressing the storm water needs of the community.

The four school districts will consider the proposal during board meetings scheduled throughout the month of June.

Source: El Paso Water Utilities - Public Service Board