Marysville council opposes Cal Water rate increase, directs staff to assemble expert review team

The Marysville City Council on Oct. 27, 2025, voted unanimously to direct city staff to assemble a team of experts to analyze and respond to California Water Service Group’s proposed water rate increase and to pursue additional information about the company’s Marysville-specific finances.

Council members and public speakers said Marysville’s water rates run two to three times higher than nearby communities and that a proposed roughly 33% increase would worsen affordability pressures for many residents. The council’s action asks staff to work with consultants and regional partners to gather financial records, compare cost drivers and explore alternatives including regionalization or other service arrangements.

The motion reflects residents’ and elected officials’ concerns that water costs are harming low-income households and local businesses and seeks facts to support formal comments to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) during the rate-case process. City Manager Jim Shattuck was directed to assemble the team and coordinate with named experts and regional partners to pursue balance sheets and income statements for Marysville and to engage with California Water Service (Cal Water) about the company’s…