Written by Chris Woodka
November 5, 2015
Pueblo Chieftain

The St. Charles Mesa Water District board has approved a 3.5 percent water rate increase for 2016.

The notice of increase is posted at the district office, 1397 Aspen Road, or on the website, scmwd-pueblo.org.

The district serves more than 4,100 customers and a population of 10,000 in unincorporated areas east of Pueblo.

The average residential customer will pay $0.76 per month more, said David Simpson, general manager.

The district also is changing the cost for use of fire hydrant meters to $1,500 payable at the time of checkout.

The fee will be returned, less the water usage, when the meter is returned.

The water rate for fire hydrant use is also changing.

The cost for 50,000 gallons will be $256.90, which would be a $31.80 increase.

This change is being made to help with repair and replacement costs of hydrants, Simpson said.

The 2016 budget is also available for review at the district office.

cwoodka@chieftain.com