Cerritos City Council Faces Public Concerns Over $20M Water Rate Increase Proposal

In a recent special city council meeting held on July 28, 2025, in Cerritos, California, city officials and residents engaged in a heated discussion about the proposed water rate increases and the city's long-standing infrastructure issues. The meeting, which drew significant public interest, highlighted the financial challenges facing the city and the potential impact on its residents.

The council revealed that the city had previously written off $10.8 million in water subsidies, a figure that, when combined with the current fiscal year's costs, brings the total burden on the general fund to approximately $20 million. This staggering amount raised questions about the city's financial management and the sustainability of its water services. Council members expressed concern over the opportunity costs associated with such expenditures, pondering what alternative investments could have been made with that money.

Public comments reflected a mix of frustration and concern. Residents like Keirat Chahan emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address the city's infrastructure, which includes not only water but also roads and sewage systems. Chahan suggested exploring options such as general obligation bonds or federal funding to alleviate the financial strain on residents. Others echoed this sentiment, urging the council to consider a balanced approach that would not place the entire burden of infrastructure costs on the shoulders of residents.

Charlie Jocelyn, another resident, voiced his surprise at the proposed rate increases, which could potentially double or triple monthly water bills. He urged the council to reassess how much of the infrastructure costs should be covered by the general fund versus individual residents, drawing parallels to his own experiences with home repairs.

Catherine Pasquale added to the discussion by advocating for a more gradual and comprehensive investment strategy, rather than reactive measures that only address immediate needs. She highlighted the importance of maintaining city infrastructure to encourage residents to uphold their property standards.

The council also received written comments from residents advocating for measures to mitigate the impact of the proposed rate hikes, including the establishment of a low-income assistance program for water rates. This suggestion resonated with many attendees, who expressed concern for vulnerable populations facing financial difficulties.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the need for further discussion and planning. The urgency of addressing the city's infrastructure challenges was clear, but so was the necessity of ensuring that any solutions would be equitable and sustainable for all residents. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of Cerritos' water services and its approach to infrastructure investment in the years to come.