There will be a public hearing to consider sewer and water rate hikes in the Indian Hills General Improvement District, 6 p.m. today at the district's board room, 3394 James Lee Park Rd.
The water and sewer rate increases are needed to fund the state-mandated arsenic treatment program, as well as setting aside money for the maintenance of water and sewer improvements, according to Indian Hills officials.
In past years, connection fees were used to subsidize operating and maintenance costs, thus keeping water and sewer rates low. Connection fees are supposed to be set aside for capital improvements, said Indian Hills General Manager Dennis Longhofer.
Five options are being considered, each set to fund depreciation at a different rate. At last month's regular meeting, the Indian Hills Board of Trustees preferred option 4, which would accrue a total of $112,500 annually.
If approved, this proposal would raise sewer rates for the average consumer from $23.54 to $33.65 per month. Figuring an average consumption of 15,000 gallons per month, water bills would increase from $35.64 to $47.85.
The average Indian Hills customer now pays a monthly base rate of $6.39 plus $1.95 per thousand gallons of water. A flat rate of $23.54 per month per dwelling unit is charged for sewer service.
New service fees for shut off or reconnection, new accounts and return check fees will also be considered.
For more information, call the Indian Hills General Improvement District at 267-2805 or visit their Web site, www.indianhillsnevada.com.
• Contact reporter Susie Vasquez at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
If you go
WHAT: Indian Hills General Improvement District special public hearing
WHEN: 6 p.m. today
WHERE: 3394 James Lee Park Road in Indian Hills