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Board approves water‑rate increases for four Ventura County water districts
Summary
Supervisors approved rate adjustments for Water Works Districts 1, 17, 19 and 38 after public hearings; District 19 received a smaller, temporary increase while staff return for more analysis.
After public hearings, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 10 approved proposed rate adjustments for four Water Works Districts serving parts of the county: District 1 (Moorpark area), District 17 (Bell Canyon), District 19 (SOMAS area), and District 38 (Lake Sherwood area).
Public Works Director Greg Strackelos and Assistant Director David Fleisch told the board the major driver for 2025 rates is the cost of imported water paid through Calleguas Municipal Water District. For districts that rely heavily on imported water, staff recommended a 9.5% commodity‑rate pass‑through this year and planning assumptions of 6% increases in out years. District 19, which depends mainly on groundwater and has unusually high operations and maintenance costs, was the exception: its Citizens Advisory Committee urged a 5% increase this year while staff promised further district‑specific analysis on long‑term rate needs.
For District 1, Public Works said the proposed 9.5% increase would raise an average three‑quarter‑inch residential bill by roughly $28 a month, reflecting the increased cost of purchased water. District 17’s larger meters and usage patterns produce higher typical bills; staff noted recent grant‑funded work on a reservoir and pipeline and that other capital efforts — including Moorepark treatment plant power upgrades — are underway.
District 19 commissioners and residents raised concerns about affordability and agricultural impacts. Public Works accepted the Citizens Advisory Committee recommendation for a 5% increase for 2025, but warned that the district’s reserves would decline without larger future increases or outside funding; staff said grant applications and capital‑loan options will be evaluated.
District 38’s citizens reported a preference to keep a larger reserve balance and the board approved the recommended pass‑through increase. All four district rate items passed unanimous roll‑call votes.
Supervisors and residents asked staff about groundwater versus imported water costs, the effect of wet years on purchased volumes, and long‑term capital needs; staff said the county will return as needed with more district‑specific financial plans. The board’s approvals allow staff to update customer bills and continue planning for capital projects and grant applications.
