Beginning March 1, Cortez residents will have a new option to pay the same amount each month for utilities.

Under the Budget Pay Plan Program, citizens pay the same amount each month based on a one-year billing cycle average.

At the end of the 12-month period, any overpayment accumulated when the budget billing amount is greater than the actual usage will be credited back to the resident. Any underpayment must be paid at that time.

Budget billing will automatically recalculate a monthly amount and renew every 12 months.

The plan can begin immediately if a resident currently has a zero balance in his or her account.

The account must remain current to continue participating in the plan. If a resident receives two delinquent notices in a six-month period, he or she will be removed from the plan until the account is paid in full.

“We think this new option will really help people who are struggling to make ends meet,” Utility Clerk David Schaak said in a news release. “It allows for folks to pay the same amount each month and not receive any surprise bills based on usage.”

Schaak can be reached at 970-564-4012.

anicotera@the-journal.com