Residents press for equity, outreach as council schedules water-and-sewer rate study session

Several residents and community representatives told the Seal Beach City Council on Feb. 24 they want broad outreach and equity analysis for the city’s upcoming water-and-sewer rate study.

Theresa Miller of Old Town told the council she had been told the consultant RefTellus’ contract was being pulled for consideration and urged the council to hold a study session that “truly embraces fresh thinking and a commitment to equity.” She said the 2021 rate plan was developed during pandemic-era conditions and that residents are concerned a reworked plan with similar elements could be pushed forward without sufficient outreach.

Interim City Manager Charles Gallegos told the council staff will host a water-and-sewer financial study session at 5 p.m. on March 10 in council chambers and that the city will publicize the meeting on social media, the Sun News and other channels.

Why it matters

Speakers said fair and equitable rates are important to all water and wastewater ratepayers and called for accessible public engagement prior to any rate changes. Miller and other commenters said they expect robust outreach and analysis of equity impacts rather than a short public-notice window.

What the council and staff said

Gallegos and others confirmed the March 10 study session date and said staff will use multiple outreach platforms to notify ratepayers. No rate decisions were made at the Feb. 24 meeting; the transcript shows public comment and scheduling of the study session, but no council vote on rates or consultant contracts at this meeting.

Ending

The city set a public study session for March 10 to discuss water and sewer finances and the rate study; residents asked the council and staff to ensure wide outreach and to emphasize equity in any updated plan.