Water Utility Authority Board Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority held a board meeting on April 22, 2026, focusing extensively on the fiscal year 2027 budget, capital improvement projects, and infrastructure rehabilitation needs. The board reviewed a balanced operating budget of approximately $285.7 million, with no proposed rate increases for FY27, and discussed a significant funding gap in the capital improvement program, particularly for rehabilitation of aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Key projects include waterline replacements, reservoir rehabilitations, well replacements, and sewer system upgrades. The board also considered a proposed capital investment fee of $8 per single-family equivalent per month, planned for fiscal year 2028, to help close the infrastructure funding gap. Additionally, the meeting covered an intergovernmental agreement for sewer system design in Carneuell with a $300,000 county match, and a lease agreement for irrigation water with the village of Los Ranchos. Public comments emphasized the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure and water resource sustainability. The board approved several resolutions related to budget objectives, intergovernmental agreements, and environmental storage. Outreach and conservation efforts for drought conditions were also presented. No immediate rate increases were approved, but future funding strategies including debt management and capital fees were discussed.