Cerritos council directs staff to finalize sewer rate study under Scenario 1 to close a $12.1 million gap

The Cerritos City Council on Aug. 28 directed staff to finalize the sewer rate study using the consultant’s Scenario 1, a five-year adjustment pathway designed to close a roughly $12.1 million funding gap for sewer operations, maintenance and capital work.

Assistant Director of Public Works Chris Kubert presented the study prepared by consultant Water Rate Economics (WRE). He told the council the city’s sewer system includes more than 100 miles of lines and five pump/lift stations and that current rates “are by far the lowest” in the region and have not covered system costs. Staff said that since 2021 the city collected about $350,000 from sewer rates while relying on about $5.5 million in general fund support; the sewer system needs about $12.7 million over the next five years for operations, maintenance and…