The Board of Directors for Ute Water approved a tap fee increase for residential, commercial and agricultural taps. The rate hike was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2013.

But according to Joseph Burtard, spokesman for Ute Water, the board voted to postpone the increase with the new effective date taking place a month later; February 1, 2013.

Burtard said, "By postponing the increase to a later date, it will allow contractors and the general public additional time to get the necessary paperwork filed with appropriate agencies."

The tap fee for a residential 3/4" x 5/8" tap will increase from $5,800 to $6,500. Fees for all other tap sizes will also increase proportionally, according to Burtard.

The board also considered holiday hours held by various agencies and the increase in the number of building permits being filed with Mesa County before deciding to postpone the increase.

For more information on the tap fee increase, visit http://www.utewater.org.