Gas rate increase

Concerned residents can't absorb two rate increases in short order given the July electric increase, and asked the board to space increases out; also asked how the board would guarantee a one-year increase ends after a year.

Urged the council to vote against the gas rate increase, describing her own hardship keeping her thermostat at 60 degrees and arguing the county should not operate like a corporation raising prices on captive customers.

Said rising utility costs are driving working and middle-class residents out of Los Alamos, questioned the $1.7 million deficit, and noted many families earn too much to qualify for assistance.