Calistoga's City Council meeting on December 5, 2023, spotlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive water and wastewater rate study, as city officials outlined the financial pressures facing the community's utility services. Public Works Director Derek Rayner emphasized that the city has not raised rates in over a year, despite rising costs due to inflation, increased power bills, and higher chemical expenses.

Rayner explained that 70% of Calistoga's water supply comes from the state, which has also raised its rates, adding to the financial strain. He noted that the city is grappling with low reserves and numerous mandated projects that require immediate funding to maintain the health of the utility.

The discussion highlighted the challenges of operating an aging infrastructure in a small city, where the costs of compliance with state regulations are comparable to those faced by larger municipalities, but with a significantly smaller tax base to support them. Rayner warned that delaying necessary rate adjustments could lead to even steeper costs in the future, urging the council to consider the implications of inaction.

As the council prepares to address these financial challenges, the community is left to ponder the potential impact on their utility rates and the sustainability of Calistoga's water services.