Consultant called in

With the possibility of higher sanitation and water rates on the horizon, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is looking for advice on how to keep costs under control.

The district wants to hire a consultant to study the water and sewer rates and various finance options.

The board is considering raising sanitation fees by 5 percent.

"This external expert will bring a fresh perspective and broad-ranging experience to help us look at options to assure longterm financial stability, balanced with rates that are objective and fair for our customers," said Sandra Schmidt, the district's finance director.

The consultant will be expected to establish equitable service rates that meet the full revenue needs for both water and sanitation services.

Consultants are required to submit their proposals by June 23.

The Las Virgenes district provides potable water to an area population of 65,000.