St Helena City Council Discusses Porchfest Event and New Water Penalties

During the Napa City Council meeting on July 22, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the reimplementation of penalties for delinquent water and sewer bills. The council reviewed a revised ordinance that shortens the penalty assessment timeline from 60 days to 45 days, aligning with practices of neighboring agencies. This change aims to encourage timely payments while maintaining fairness for residents.

Finance Manager Martin Beltran presented the updates, noting that while Calistoga charges a 5% late fee, other nearby cities impose a 10% penalty. The council's decision to adopt the new ordinance reflects a balance between encouraging prompt payment and providing residents with adequate time to settle their bills.

In addition to the penalty discussion, the council addressed the approval of emergency generator rental services for the wastewater treatment plant, which saw an increase in funding due to extended rental needs. The total funding for these services now stands at $286,425, a necessary adjustment to ensure continued operations.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming Porchfest event, a community gathering focused on live music in residential neighborhoods. Organizers are working to finalize permits and insurance requirements, with the event scheduled for September 28, 2025. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place to minimize disruption to local residents.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a commitment to improving city services while fostering community engagement through events like Porchfest. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced revenue collection from water and sewer services and a successful community event that brings residents together.