LAKEPORT— The Lakeport City Council, during their next meeting Tuesday, will hold a public hearing in regards to a proposed increase of water and sewer rates.
The last rate study was conducted in 2012. With rising operating costs of equipment, supplies, treatment, labor, benefits and pensions, City officials note that a raise in rates is necessary to continue operations.
The rate change costs are contingent upon how much monthly water flow a location uses. City staff noted that each area’s cost of service will depend on the rate change as well, adding there will be a larger initial increase to rates within the first few years which will taper down in subsequent years.
The rate increases will extend over a five year period. A notice was sent out to citizens of Lakeport about the public hearing so they would have an opportunity to give input regarding the proposed increase.
If the council approves them during the meeting, the proposed rates will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2021.
In other council business, the city is looking to enter into an agreement with the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) for the use of the Carnegie Library building.
The CLERC will lease the building for a one year term that will act as an introductory or trial period. If approved, CLERC will be authorized to use the ground floor of the building for their administrative offices and water/wastewater testing laboratory.
The goal of the CLERC is to use the second floor of the building for an informational and educational center that would be open to the public.
The lease amount will be $850 a month for the first year. The city will cover the costs for electricity, water, sewer and trash.
The council will also look to approve a Crisis Intervention Responder program. This program will be with Lake Family Resource Center, who will assign a community crisis intervention specialist to the Lakeport Police Department.
The specialist would work with the police department to help respond to calls for service throughout the city and direct people to appropriate available resources.
According to the staff report, over the past several years the Lakeport Police Department is increasingly encountering calls for service involving persons in crisis who need resources above and beyond what a police officer can provide.
City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Regular Council meetings begin at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 225 Park Street. The public is invited to attend all Council meetings although meetings have also been streamed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on meetings or to check the minutes of previous meetings, visit https://www.cityoflakeport.com/city_council/index.php
