Council introduces first-reading ordinance to raise water, wastewater and waste services rates; Prop. 218 protests recorded

The Roseville City Council conducted a Prop. 218 public hearing May 21 and introduced for first reading an ordinance amending municipal code sections to implement proposed rate adjustments for water, wastewater and waste services.

Sean Whittington (Environmental Utilities) and Director Sean Biglame presented the rate study and recommended rate adjustments to ensure service reliability and to meet projected costs. Staff emphasized they had secured roughly $37 million in grant funding over the past five years and identified $2 million in budget reductions for the current year, factors that staff said helped keep proposed increases to an approximate 3–4 percent range. Whittington said the typical residential water bill would increase by about $4.70 (roughly a 3% increase) in FY26 under the proposal.

Staff reported the city mailed Prop. 218 notices to about 55,000 accounts; as of the hearing they had received nine protest letters. The protest letters included concerns from a new business about utility costs, questions from fixed-income residents, calls for targeting high-volume users and comments about Mello-Roos obligations; staff said they were contacting protestors and exploring available conservation/rebate options where appropriate.

After public comment and staff responses, the council voted to introduce the ordinance for first reading. The item now returns for a second reading and final adoption procedure; staff indicated the new rates would take effect July 1, 2025, if adopted after the full ordinance process.