The city of Cortez is raising rates. In 2015, citizens can expect higher water bills and increased park fees, too.
Public works officials said a “slight” rate adjustment was needed next year to keep up with the rising cost of infrastructure repairs, treatment chemicals and capital expenditures. Water rates will increase 5 percent in 2015.
The measure means a resident with a ¾-inch water meter, which includes the first 1,000 gallons, would pay $16.30 per month in 2015, an increase of 80 cents per month over current rates.
Rates for water usage over 1,000 gallons will also rise next year, from $2.10 to $2.20, and so will fees for the commercial water dock, increasing in 2015 from $12 for 1,000 gallons to $12.50.
The city will also raise its current tap fee of $3,800 to $3,900, starting Jan. 1.
The city’s 2015 water enterprise fund will receive more than $4.1 million in appropriations, which includes nearly $730,000 for personnel services, $670,000 for commodities and $1.85 million for capital projects.
Fees for city recreational activities will also rise in 2015 in order to keep up with inflation, depreciation and capital improvement projects, according to officials. Annual membership fees at the recreation center, green fees at the golf course and season pass fees at the outdoor pool will all increase.
Annual passes at the rec center will increase across the board, meaning teens between 13 and 18 will pay $204 next year instead of $192. Rates for an annual pass for a family of four will increase from $444 to $468.
Green fees at Conquistador golf course will also increase across the board by $1 in 2015, meaning a 9-hole round of golf on weekdays will cost $19 instead of $18. A 9-hole round on the weekend will increase from $21 to $22.
Season passes at the city’s outdoor poll will also increase $5 across the board, meaning a child under 17 will pay $50 in 2015 compared to $45 this year. Daily passes for adults will also increase from $4.50 to $5.
The city’s recreation center fund will receive nearly $2 million in budget appropriations in 2015.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
