SW New Mexico News

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) is urging residential customers to monitor their water usage closely over the next four billing cycles, as it will determine their sewer rates for the upcoming year. The volume of water used at each residence during this period will be measured and multiplied by 90% to establish an average usage amount.

This calculated average will be used to set the yearly sewer rate, which will then be billed monthly starting in March. Current billing consists of an access charge of $8.26 per month, a volume charge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons for the first 3,000 gallons, and $3.79 per 1,000 gallons for usage beyond that threshold.

Taxes and franchise fees are assessed separately by governmental authorities and are not included in these cost-of-service rates.

Residents seeking further details on LCU's utility rates or needing assistance with analyzing their water and gas consumption can visit LasCruces.Gov/UtilityRates or LasCruces.Gov/UtilityHawk respectively.

In other community news, Las Cruces is hosting its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6-8 p.m. on December 7 at the downtown Plaza de Las Cruces. The city also plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful program inside the Triviz/I-25 tunnel to showcase a new mural.

The City of Las Cruces observes Veterans Day by closing most offices on November 11 but maintains all emergency services operational. Additionally, changes are anticipated in dog park rules and residents are invited to provide feedback through a survey.

A minimum wage increase is slated for January 1, 2025, as per the Las Cruces Municipal Code. Other initiatives include the Lush and Lean program encouraging water-wise gardening practices and upcoming events like Pumpkin Palooza at Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center on October 5.