San Marcos residents will begin seeing a new line item on their monthly utility bills, but the charge is nothing new, according to a city news release.
The gist
Beginning in June, San Marcos Utilities customers will see a “Community Benefit Charge” on their bills. The charge is an existing cost previously included in the base utility rates.
The decision to make the “Community Benefit Charge” an individual line item was made to increase transparency and help customers understand how their utility funds will be used, according to the release.
The “Community Benefit Charge” will be an estimated $16.21 per month for a usual residential customer. The exact amount will vary based on usage and customer type.
A closer look
“The ‘Community Benefit Charge’ allows us to clearly show the value of services that support our community as a whole,” Assistant City Manager Joe Pantalion said in the release. “By separating this charge, customers can more easily see how their utility bill is structured.”
The charge applies to electric, water and wastewater services provided by the city. The community funds pay for various programs and services, including:
- Utility assistance programs
- Roadway lighting
- Conservation program
Looking back
The San Marcos Utilities Advisory Board previously recommended the creation of the “Community Benefit Charge” line item, according to the release. The City Council reviewed the charge in 2025.
