The fourth of five annual 6% water rate hikes will be going into effect soon, as part of an agreement with customers in the Nevada Irrigation District. But NID General Manager Rem Scherzinger says the agreement also requires the Board Of Directors to review the increases during their annual budget review each November…

click to listen to Rem Scherzinger

Scherzinger says NID has been trying to get declining revenue more in line with growing operational and maintenance costs. The revenue drop is mainly due to the drought. Scherzinger says while conservation is encouraged, the reduction in water use has cost them about 3-million dollars. But he says the savings has also slowed the need for more expensive capital improvements…

click to listen to Rem Scherzinger

The increase, which goes into effect with the January bills, equates to $3.75 for the typical customer, or $66.14. But NID officials say their rates compare favorably to other rates around the region.