PSB TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF FY 09-10 BUDGET Media Advisory Contact: Christina Montoya, Vice President-Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: February 10, 2009 WHO: Public Service Board WHEN: Wednesday, February 11 8:30 a.m. WHERE: El Paso Water Utilities 1154 Hawkins Blvd. Board Room – 4th Floor At its Wednesday meeting, the Public Service Board will consider adoption of the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget for four utilities: water, wastewater, reclaimed water and stormwater.  The Board will also consider amendments to the PSB Rules and Regulations. No rate increases are recommended. Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed Water The FY 09-10 totals $203.88 million. Significant increases are expected in fuel, transportation and chemical costs; electric fuel surcharges; and surface (river) water costs; however, the number of water and wastewater capital projects has been reduced. El Paso Water Utilities will continue to request federal and state grants, which offsets the cost to ratepayers. Stormwater The $49.24 million budget includes $7.26 for operations and maintenance, $40 million for stormwater capital projects, and funding for open space and park pond projects. The capital and open space projects are among those approved by the Stormwater Master Plan Community Advisory Committee, which finalized its report on Feb. 4. The budget reflects a reduction in stormwater fees for social service and non-profit entities. These organizations currently pay 25 percent of the non-residential fee, but would pay 10 percent of the non-residential fee, effective March 1. Schools will also pay 10 percent of the non-residential fee beginning March 1. Other Items The Public Service Board will consider a bid for cleaning and maintaining stormwater drainage channels and agricultural drains and the sale of 0.662 acres of land.