City Council approves water and sewer rate increases for the next five years

Buellton's City Council made significant strides in addressing water and sewer rate adjustments during their meeting on July 10, 2025. The council approved a resolution that sets the maximum water charges for the next five years, which will see rates increase from $35.51 to $37.83 over the next year. Additionally, the volumetric rate per 100 cubic feet will rise from $2.98 to $3.24.

The council discussed the implications of these changes, particularly the impact on sewer rates, which will increase for single-family homes from $30.45 to $58.96. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to ensure the city can meet its financial obligations while maintaining essential services.

Council members emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement, noting that the council will reconvene to review revenue and expenses before any further rate increases are implemented. This approach aims to keep residents informed and engaged in the decision-making process.

The council also addressed the scheduling of future meetings, confirming that the first meeting in October will be canceled due to the League of Cities conference. They plan to return for the second meeting in September to discuss programmatic updates, allowing residents ample time to prepare for the upcoming rate changes.

Overall, the decisions made during this meeting reflect the council's commitment to managing the city's resources responsibly while keeping the community informed about changes that will affect their utility costs.