Alec Rodriguez MCALLEN – The City of McAllen announced a 30 percent increase in its water and sewer bill for residents and commercial businesses in early October.
Marco Vega, general manager of McAllen’s public utility said aside from McAllen residents, commercial businesses will also be charged but with an increase of 60%. However, the amount will be determined by how much water is used.
“Commercial means an attorney’s office that has one restroom. They use maybe 2000 gallons of water a month, which is like nothing, right? They have a small, small utility bill. Their increase might be five bucks a month,” Vega said.
Social media users commented their concerns on McAllen’s post after the announcement on Facebook.
“That’s a pretty steep increase to hit us with. This isn’t right city of McAllen. Fix the drainage issues in South McAllen is what your supposed to do.”
“Is the city going to make sure we have sufficient water pressure and make sure the water is actually cleaned and softened. You keep highering the bill without any benefits for the payers, that’s going to make our bill close to 90 a month if not more for other residents.”
Vega shared the reason behind the increase was to help fund the North water with about 85% of the increase will help fund the new north water treatment plant and the other 15% will cover the operational increases.
Glady Abundiz, McAllen resident and UTRGV Mass Communications major, shared her view on the increase.
“First of all, you know, a little increase, maybe 8% at the most is kind of acceptable or understandable. Okay, we get it. Things change over time,” Abundiz said. “But a [whole] 30% is just absurd. You know, given the fact that where we live out in this region, in the valley is one of the most highly rated, like poverty areas in the country, and I can speak for myself that they don’t cut you slack with your late on the bill.”
Vega said that if Proposition 4 is approved in the Nov. 4 election, the water and sewer bill will decrease. The proposition is stated to help fund the water treatment plant if the city is given funds.
