Local business owners press Rio Dell for answers on rising water rates and grants

RIO DELL, Calif. — A local business owner urged the Rio Dell City Council on Sept. 16 to address rising water rates and to help businesses pursue grant funding after receiving an unusually high water bill this month.

Tom Gordon, who said he owns a coffee shop and multiple properties in Rio Dell, told council members his establishment received a water bill this month of "$700," which he said is far higher than comparable businesses in neighboring towns. "I just recently was told that my water rate down at the coffee shop this month was $700," Gordon said. He said the rising rates add pressure to small businesses with slim profit margins and discourage new investment.

Gordon asked the council to place an item on a future agenda to review rate increases, explain the structure of recent water-rate changes and outline available grants the city might pursue to reduce rate pressure on businesses. He also raised quality and safety concerns about the contractor doing the current water-line project, saying the contractor broke a line without notifying residents, left holes open for several days and used a neighbor's hose without permission. That contractor conduct, he said, increased community frustration with ongoing infrastructure work.

Council and staff did not take immediate action on the request but the mayor noted the request would be recorded for future agenda consideration. Gordon said he and other business owners want to know whether the city is seeking grants and how rate-setting decisions are being made.

Why it matters: Higher utility costs affect local businesses' bottom lines and can influence decisions about opening or expanding enterprises in small cities. Gordon framed the issue as a business retention and economic development concern and asked for a staff-led agenda item to clarify causes and possible mitigation strategies.