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Tulare County approves first sewer-rate hike for Terra Bella since 1996 to cover operations and debt
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted new wastewater rates for the Terra Bella Sewer Maintenance District, effective Aug. 1, 2025, after finding current charges no longer cover operating costs and debt service. The board approved a multi-year rate schedule intended to fully fund operations and future capital needs by fiscal 2029–30.
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted July 15 to adopt an adjusted wastewater service fee schedule for the Terra Bella Sewer Maintenance District, the first increase for the system since 1996.
Denise England, Program and Resources Manager for the county Resource Management Agency, told the board the district serves about 520 accounts and has been operating at a deficit. “Current rates have fallen behind the cost of service,” England said. The board approved option A, starting an adjustment effective Aug. 1, 2025 that raises the monthly single-family residential charge from $21 to $27 and phases additional increases through fiscal 2029–30, when the single-family monthly bill is projected at $51.96.
The county invested about…
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