Village of Ruidoso Utility Rate Adjustments Effective July 2026

What residents should know about changes reflected in August utility bills

August 25, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — Village of Ruidoso utility rate adjustments took effect in July 2026 and are reflected in August billing cycles. The adjustments are part of a long-term plan adopted to help ensure Village utility systems can meet operating costs and fund necessary infrastructure improvements.

The Village accounts for its utilities under enterprise (business activity) funds. This means utility rates are set to generate sufficient revenue to cover both day-to-day operations and long-term capital expenses.

Until the Village adopted its Utility Rate Analysis in June 2024, utility rates had not increased since 2014. The analysis reviewed long-term master plans for infrastructure improvements and projected operating cost increases. Based on that analysis, the Village adopted a structured plan to gradually adjust utility rates through Fiscal Year 2032.

July 2026 Utility Rate Adjustments

The rate increases effective July 2026 are:

• Water: 12%

• Sewer: 8%

• Wastewater: 5%

• Solid Waste and Forestry: 30%

Why Utility Rates Are Changing

The Village has benefited from supplemental funding mechanisms, including State Gross Receipts Tax (SGRT) and General Obligation (GO) Bond funding, which have supported water infrastructure improvements.

Other utilities, including sewer, solid waste, forestry and wastewater, do not have access to similar external funding sources for major upgrades and improvements.

The long-term utility plan therefore considers both projected operating expenses and infrastructure investments needed to serve current and future residents. Future projections also assume a baseline of 40% grant funding to help offset infrastructure costs.

Find Current Rate Information

Residents can review current information about Village water rates and scheduled rate adjustments on the Water Rates page at Ruidoso-NM.gov/water-rates.

For questions about Village Utility Billing, call 575-258-4343.

The Village appreciates the community’s understanding and support as it works to maintain and improve essential utility services for current and future residents.