Village of Ruidoso Updates Water Rate Structure: Important Changes Effective Immediately
In an effort to better manage our water resources and ensure sustainable operations, the Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code of Ordinances. This ordinance, effective immediately, introduces key changes to our water rates and utility regulations.
Background and Study Insights
In December 2021, the Village of Ruidoso hired consulting and engineering firms to conduct a comprehensive study of the enterprise utility funds (Solid Waste/Forestry, Water, Sewer Collections, and Wastewater). The goal was to develop master plans for each division and perform a rate study.
The firms worked with each division to evaluate existing systems and model current and future capacity issues. The plans included recommendations for staffing levels and necessary capital improvements to ensure optimal service for Ruidoso residents.
The second phase of the study determined the revenue needed to cover annual operating and maintenance expenses and the recommended capital improvements.
Over the past three fiscal years, utility operation costs have increased significantly, including for personnel, maintenance, and equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has further driven up the cost of parts and equipment maintenance. Utility rates, unchanged for over a decade, will now increase, raising the average monthly bill to approximately $139, depending on usage and compliance with the forestry ordinance.
Key Changes in the Ordinance
Updated Definitions and Revenue Management
Revenues: Now includes all charges for water and sewer services, miscellaneous services, interest on investments, connection fees, and income from the lease of water rights.
Expenses: Covers all necessary operational and maintenance costs, excluding depreciation and capital expenditures.
Payment Locations and Delinquency
Water and sewer charges are payable at Village Hall (313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345) and via the Online Utilities Payment Portal. They become delinquent 15 days after the "due by" date on the utility statement. Automatic bank debits are available.
Responsibility for Payment and Liens
All charges begin upon transfer of ownership and are payable jointly by owners, occupants, or lienholders. The Village may file a lien for unpaid charges or apply required deposits against outstanding amounts.
Service Termination for Non-payment
Failure to pay charges within 30 days triggers a ten-day notice of termination. Continued non-payment results in service disconnection and potential lien filing after an additional 30 days.
Water Use Regulations
It is unlawful to use Village water without consent or discharge any liquid waste without permission. Specific penalties apply for tampering with water meters or water lines.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL UTILITY CUSTOMERS!
All utility customers have received monthly water bills. If you recently lost your home in the wildfires or floods, please know that your account will be closed. However, you must contact us to let us know that your home was lost.
Please call Village Hall at 575-258-4343 and ask to speak to someone in the Utility Department.
New Water Rates Structure
*Effective July 2024
The water rates have been revised to reflect both residential and commercial use within and outside Village limits. Here’s a summary of the new rates:
Residential Water Rates
Base Rate: $37.90 (inside Village limits), $75.80 (outside Village limits)
Commodity Charges:
3,001 - 5,000 gallons: $6.72 per 1,000 gallons
5,001 - 7,000 gallons: $7.84 per 1,000 gallons
7,001 - 11,000 gallons: $15.68 per 1,000 gallons
11,001 - 15,000 gallons: $22.40 per 1,000 gallons
15,001 - 20,000 gallons: $33.60 per 1,000 gallons
Over 20,000 gallons: $47.04 per 1,000 gallons
Commercial Water Rates
Base Rate: $37.90 (inside Village limits), $75.80 (outside Village limits)
Commodity Charges:
3,001 - 50,000 gallons: $6.72 per 1,000 gallons
50,001 - 250,000 gallons: $7.84 per 1,000 gallons
Over 250,000 gallons: $9.52 per 1,000 gallons
Fire Protection Service
Fixed Monthly Charge:
2-inch service: $30.00
4-inch service: $40.00
6-inch service: $50.00
8-inch service: $60.00
Permit Fee for Fire Hydrant Use: $1,500.00, with $1,000.00 refundable upon return of the meter in good condition.
Future Rate Increases
Water and sewer rates will undergo annual adjustments to account for inflation and operational costs. The scheduled increases are as follows:
Water Rates Increase Schedule
2024-2025: 12%
2025-2026: 12%
2026-2027: 8%
2027-2028: 8%
2028-2029: 6%
2029-2030: 6%
2030-2031: 3%
Annually from 2031-2032: 3%
Sewer Rates Increase Schedule
2024-2025: 9%
2025-2026: 8%
2026-2027: 8%
2027-2028: 8%
2028-2029: 8%
2029-2030: 7%
2030-2031: 7%
2031-2032: 7%
Annually from 2032-2033: 3%
These updates ensure that the Village of Ruidoso can continue to provide reliable water and sewer services while promoting water conservation and efficient resource management. For more details on the ordinance and the complete rate structure, please visit the Water Production Department webpage or contact the Finance Department.
