Aug. 17--LAS CRUCES -- After two delays to come up with a new -- and easier to understand -- city utility bill, officials are now trying to get the new statements into customers' hands in September.

Udell Vigil, city spokesman, said a prototype of the new bill isn't done, so there is no example to publicize yet.

"Now, the plan is to try to get it out as early as September," Vigil said. "Initially, the plan was to make it happen in June and then it got pushed back to July and now to this. But when the bill finally is out it should be easier for customers to understand. It should be more detailed than the current utility bill."

The city is implementing a new billing system that is expected to be more efficient, while creating more payment options for utility customers and improving service. Also, a new online payment system, called Customer Self Service, or CSS, will go into effect when the new-look bills are sent to residents.

Some Las Crucens who found out about the impending changes were a bit dubious.

"I haven't had any problems with my bill, it's pretty simple for me to understand and I don't see where I would need any more explanations," said Lena Costello, a cosmetology student. "What's that old saying, if

it ain't broken why fix it?"

Rob Dalton, an air-conditioning technician, also doesn't understand the change.

"I usually don't read my bill anyway," Dalton said. "I get it in the mail, bring it to City Hall, and the gal there tells me how much I owe. I write her a check and that's it. It seems simple the way it is now. I don't plan on doing it any different, even if I'm getting a new bill."

Steve Ramirez can be reached at sramirez@lcsun-news.com

Utility bills

-- City utility bills can be paid with cash, checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard credit cards, or online.

-- Residents can pay their utility bill at City Hall, 200 N. Church St.

-- People can pay utility bills from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

-- A drive-through window to pay bills is available at the El Paso Electric Branch, 1201 S. Solano. The drive-up window is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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