LAKEPORT — In 11 days, the Lakeport City Council will hold a public hearing on the city”s proposed water and sewer rate increases. The meeting takes place Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The city proposal would introduce annual increases for water and sewer rates over the next four and a half years that would almost double most water-meter rates and more than double some sewer-meter rates by January 2017.
Property owners are allowed to protest the proposed rates in writing before the end of the public hearing. If a majority of affected property owners present written protests by the deadline, the proposed rate increase will be rejected.
Water and sewer rates are the primary source of revenue to operate the systems and they generate the revenue needed to invest in system upgrades, according to the city.
The rates pay for power, treatment chemicals, equipment and vehicle maintenance, administration, debt service, replacement, rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements.
The city recently used a consulting firm to complete a rate study to define needed revenues to meet operational costs and capital improvements for both systems.
Current and past rates have not kept up with the needs of the systems, according to the city.
The city applied for a long-term, low-interest loan and a $2 million grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. A rate increase is necessary to secure the funding, avoid future fines and regulatory actions, and make needed system improvements, according to the city.
The city plans 10 water and sewer projects, including payment for the acquisition of land for two groundwater supply wells, upgrading of automated control systems, removal of sludge from a sewer treatment pond and construction of a closed-loop water main from South Main Street to Parallel Drive.
To meet current and anticipated regulatory requirements, the water and sewer infrastructure must be upgraded and funds established to replace or repair assets used to provide the services, according to the city.
Written protests must contain a description of the property, including the parcel number.
Protests should be sent to the city clerk at 225 Park St., Lakeport, CA 95453. Email protests will not be accepted.
For more information, contact the utilities department at 263-3578. For a detailed breakdown of the proposed rate structures, visit the city website at www.cityoflakeport.com.
