Socorro City Council approves utility rate increases

Not a single person from the public attended a recent public hearing on September 26 to protest proposed rate increases for water, sewer, gas and trash increases.

As a result, Socorro City Council last week unanimously approved the proposed rate structure increase that will take place on January 1, 2025.

Mayor Ravi Bhasker said due to raising costs of labor, fuel, utilities, and materials the city deemed it necessary to adopt a new rate structure schedule (See graphic).

In other business, council:

• Approved various fund transfers for the revolving loan – capital outlay; EMS recruitment grant; USDA wastewater; Rodeo Area Sports Complex grant; state appropriation reimbursement; airport construction fund; senior center capital outlay; Lodgers Tax Fund – Trails Plus; general fund; reserve funds; recreation – healthy kids; Joint Enterprise – landfill; and Law Enforcement fund grant.

• Approved the disposition of a city ambulance by private sale, bid or donation.

• Approved a job description for Safety Coordinator Chris Carrillo, who will report to the city administrator. The individual will conduct monthly safety meetings as well as provide on-site training and guidance to other employees in the performance of work tasks.

• Approved hiring David Monette as a library/technical services cataloger.

• Approved hiring Joseph Gonzales and Jorge Sustaita in the Street Department as crewmen.

• Accepted, with regret, the resignation of Dezirae Armijo as Tourism and Convention Center Director.

• Approved a new business license for Thunder Ridge Diesel owned by Kory Brittan at 209 South California Street.

• Set the next city council meeting for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in the council chambers at Socorro City Hall.