Santa Rosa City Council approves water and wastewater rate increases through 2030

The Santa Rosa City Council convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss significant changes to water and wastewater rates, addressing public concerns about rising costs amid ongoing conservation efforts. The meeting highlighted the proposed increases in utility rates, which are set to rise by 6% over the next three years for water services and 5% annually for wastewater services over the next five years.

During the public comment period, residents expressed frustration over the continual rise in water rates, despite their efforts to conserve water. One speaker emphasized the need for transparency, urging the council to provide the public with detailed examples and data before making decisions that affect ratepayers. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among community members about the fairness and accessibility of information regarding rate increases.

Following public comments, the council moved to adopt a resolution responding to objections regarding the proposed rate increases, which passed with six affirmative votes. The council's discussion included a presentation by Jennifer Burke, the director of the Santa Rosa Water Department, and Mark Hildebrand, a rate consultant, who outlined the objectives of the rate study and the rationale behind the proposed increases.

The proposed rate adjustments are part of a broader financial strategy aimed at ensuring the stability of the water and wastewater utilities while addressing the rising costs associated with capital improvements. The council also discussed the reinstatement of a pass-through provision for Sonoma County Water Agency rates, which would allow adjustments based on actual costs rather than estimates, thereby protecting both the utility and its customers from overcharging or underfunding.

The meeting concluded with a detailed overview of the projected impacts on utility bills, illustrating how different customer categories would be affected by the proposed changes. The council's decisions and discussions underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing financial sustainability with community needs and concerns regarding utility costs.