Atascadero council opens Prop 218 notice for proposed wastewater rate increase

The Atascadero City Council voted 4–1 on April 23 to start the Proposition 218 protest process and set a public hearing for June 10 on a proposed wastewater (sewer) rate increase that would take effect July 1, 2025.

City Manager Jim Lewis and public works staff presented the proposal to raise sewer service charges about 18.5% for the coming year — roughly $9 per typical single‑family dwelling — saying the increase is needed to begin funding design, construction financing and reserve requirements for a state‑mandated upgrade of the city’s nearly 45‑year‑old treatment plant. “This does not do anything for the collection system,” City Manager Jim Lewis said, adding that the increase is intended primarily to make the city finance‑ready for a larger treatment plant project.

The council’s action starts the Proposition 218 property‑related fee process that gives customers 45 days to file written protests before the council considers rates. Public works staff said the mailed notice will explain the protest process and that the county property tax roll deadline requires starting the process now to have any approved charges appear on the July property tax levy.

Why it matters: Atascadero’s wastewater system serves roughly 5,500 sewer connections and includes about 63 miles of gravity sewer pipe, some 1,500 manholes and a…