West Sacramento outlines $143.6 million five‑year water and sewer needs; proposed rate adjustments expected after public hearings

City of West Sacramento officials and their rate‑study consultant told residents on Oct. 28 that updated water and sewer master plans identify roughly $143.6 million in capital needs over the next five years and that current utility rate revenues do not cover projected operating and capital costs.

"By state law, rates can only be set for up to 5 years at a time," Rebecca Scott, Director of Public Works Operations and Maintenance, said at the start of the webinar. Scott said the city last adjusted water, sewer and refuse rates on July 1, 2021, and that staff intend to return to a formal adoption process in spring 2026 following public workshops and required Proposition 218 notifications.

The master‑plan recommendations presented by city staff include a five‑year water capital improvement program (CIP) of about $89.5 million, prepared with Zanjero, and a five‑year sewer CIP of about $54.1 million, prepared with Black & Veatch. Amber Wallace, senior civil engineer in the capital projects department, walked through recent projects and shovel‑ready needs, including a high‑service manifold that is design‑complete but needs approximately $7.2 million for construction and a South Sewer Lift Station project that has $2.0 million in design spending to date and an estimated $6.0…