Buellton council adopts adjusted water and wastewater rate schedule after public hearing, sets Nov. 1 start

The Buellton City Council on July 10 adopted a revised five-year schedule of maximum water and wastewater rate increases (Resolution 25-23) after hearing public comment and tallying written protests. The council approved the resolution 3-1, adopting the consultant's alternative 2 schedule as the authorized maximum and setting the initial implementation date for Nov. 1, 2025.

The vote followed a public hearing on proposed monthly meter and wastewater service fees. City staff confirmed the city had received 97 valid written protests by the close of the hearing; that fell well short of the majority threshold needed to block the rate increases (1,084 valid protests required of 2,167 parcels). Vice Mayor Lewis, Council Member Hornick and Mayor Silva voted to approve the amended resolution; Council Member Sanchez voted no.

The city and consultant said the increases are intended to restore enterprise fund solvency, pay for deferred capital work, and meet industry reserve targets. Willdan consultant Chris Fisher presented a five-year financial plan showing the wastewater fund already in deficit and the water fund…