LAKEPORT — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday addressed the Kelseyville County Waterworks District No. 3”s proposal to increase sewer rates to repair and upgrade the community water system.
The district has been operating under a cease-and-desist order from the California Regional Water Control Board, primarily for capacity problems which have resulted in emergency measures including the sandbagging of two ponds to create additional temporary storage and prevent sewage spills.
The last local rate increase occurred in 1995 and did not replace any systems or infrastructure.
This proposed increase, to be phased in over the next three years, does respond directly to current system deficiencies that are jeopardizing the community”s public and economic health.
“I think this is a necessity,” said Supervisor Gary Lewis. “We can”t have sewage seep into our water system.”
He added, “You can”t tell a person what days you can flush a toilet and when you can”t.”
The district is facing a state regulatory order mandating improvements, said county Special Districts Administrator Mark Dellinger. “The reason we need to move forward is to show diligence to the regulatory agencies,” Dellinger explained.
The proposed rate increase totals $17.46 per month per single-family residence. The existing monthly rate is currently $11.15.
“Because we”ve kept the rates down to such a low level for so long it has done a disservice to the ratepayers and put us in the position we are in now,” said Supervisor Jeff Smith.
Other areas rates currently hover around $30 per month, with Clear Lake Oaks at $25.25, Hidden Valley Lake at $36 and the city of Lakeport at $30.81.
To correct the system”s deficiencies and protect public health the Kelseyville Waterworks District has developed a phased, five-year improvement program with a total cost of approximately $7 million.
The district proposes to fund 20 percent of this program with the proposed rate increase and 80 percent with state and federal grants.
“There is one thing that hasn”t been said,” noted Supervisor Ed Robey. “We have a system that needs $7 million in improvements and it”s really important to show other agencies that this is supported by the ratepayers. It”s a way of getting the rest of the money.”
The board voted 3-2 (with Anthony Farrington and Rob Brown dissenting) to advance the issue to the July 25 board meeting.
Contact Cynthia Davis at cdavis@record-bee.com.
