Steps taken toward water, sewer hikes

Dan Kulin

Thursday, May 8, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

Water and sewer rate increases as well as mandatory water use restrictions may be coming to North Las Vegas.

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday took a step toward possible rate increases and water use restrictions when they filled the membership of the city's Utility Board with three new appointments to the board. The 12-member volunteer board makes recommendations to the council on water and sewer matters, and the council cannot change water or sewer rates without first having the board review any proposed changes, City Manager Kurt Fritsch said.

The board will meet within the next three weeks to review possible rate changes and water use restrictions, city Public Works Director Jim Bell said.

Mayor Michael Montandon said it's still unknown how much any rate changes would cost the city's customers.

"But there's no question we're looking at rate increases," Montandon said. "Currently we have stepped up rates to encourage conservation but there's no question higher rates encourage more conservation."

Bell said any proposed rate increases would be prompted by a possible need to adjust for increased costs of the service and the ongoing drought.

Higher rates are being considered by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, which is run by the Clark County Commissioners. A district citizens task force is expected to formally recommend rate increases on May 20.

Water rates for North Las Vegas customers were last changed around the beginning of 1996, Bell said. The Utility Board only meets when needed and has not met since then.

The average residential water customer now pays about $26 or $27 a month, Bell said.