Santa Fe council adopts three-tiered water-rate changes to help fund capital projects
January 16, 2026 | Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Santa Fe governing body voted Jan. 15 to adopt a new water‑rate structure intended to fund upcoming capital projects and encourage conservation.
Mary Garcia, presenting the final action on Bill 2025-25, told the council that water rates have not increased since 2013 and that the utility has experienced roughly 41% general cost inflation since then. The ordinance creates a three‑tier structure intended to reward low water users and shift higher charges to high-volume users. Under the proposal discussed, households using less than 4,000 gallons would be in the lowest tier and could see a small decrease per thousand gallons; tier breakpoints discussed included 4,000, 7,000 and 9,000 gallons. Staff estimated an average residential bill would increase by about $1 per year for the next five years beginning in 2027; the revenue will be used to support large capital improvements for the water system.
During public comment, online participant Stephanie Benenato supported a three‑tier structure and asked the council to consider programs to assist low‑income residents; interim water division director Jonathan Montoya said programs and payment plans are available and that utility billing staff can work with residents on options. The council voted to approve the ordinance on roll-call vote.
What happens next: The ordinance takes effect per its terms and staff will continue to brief the council on implementation details, assistance programs and legislative requests for additional funding.
Mary Garcia, presenting the final action on Bill 2025-25, told the council that water rates have not increased since 2013 and that the utility has experienced roughly 41% general cost inflation since then. The ordinance creates a three‑tier structure intended to reward low water users and shift higher charges to high-volume users. Under the proposal discussed, households using less than 4,000 gallons would be in the lowest tier and could see a small decrease per thousand gallons; tier breakpoints discussed included 4,000, 7,000 and 9,000 gallons. Staff estimated an average residential bill would increase by about $1 per year for the next five years beginning in 2027; the revenue will be used to support large capital improvements for the water system.
During public comment, online participant Stephanie Benenato supported a three‑tier structure and asked the council to consider programs to assist low‑income residents; interim water division director Jonathan Montoya said programs and payment plans are available and that utility billing staff can work with residents on options. The council voted to approve the ordinance on roll-call vote.
What happens next: The ordinance takes effect per its terms and staff will continue to brief the council on implementation details, assistance programs and legislative requests for additional funding.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
