Board authorizes outreach and discusses Proposition 218 hearing for sewer rate study

The board held an extended discussion on framing and outreach for the district's sewer rate-study public forum and Proposition 218 process before authorizing a targeted outreach plan. Director Johnson urged more public-facing outreach and recommended holding hearings in neutral locations to make ratepayers comfortable; she said mailers and foldouts may not reach all residents and suggested partnering with community halls and associations to increase participation.

Legal counsel explained the Proposition 218 hearing process: written protests (typically by property owners) determine whether rates move forward and must meet specific parameters; objections challenge the process and must be submitted in writing and are the only claims that may later support litigation. Counsel warned that re-noticing a hearing to change location could affect tax-roll timing and potentially delay rates taking effect this year. To balance outreach and timing, the board approved a motion authorizing Director Johnson, as the local legislative liaison, to attend local public meetings (board of supervisors, Montecito Association, other community groups) and present staff-prepared talking points about the June 10 hearing; the motion included a provision for compensation within policy limits and asked staff to coordinate talking points and logistical details.

Board members also discussed staff's outreach metrics (about 3,000 mailed notices and a limited written response so far) and agreed additional in-person outreach could help inform interested ratepayers without imperiling statutory deadlines.