Bakersfield council adopts modest sewer connection fee increase for 2025—26

The Bakersfield City Council on Sept. 24 adopted a resolution adjusting sewer connection fees for fiscal year 2025—26, implementing an annualized increase model intended to track construction-cost inflation. The motion was approved with Councilmember Weir absent.

City staff described the item as distinct from user sewer rates and focused on connection (availability) fees for new development. Staff said the approach applies an annual adjustment—similar to a consumer price index tailored to construction costs—so fees do not accumulate over multiple years and require a single large correction.

David Demihowski of the Home Builders Association of Kern County told council the association supported the modest 4.33% increase and said staff had engaged the building community about the methodology. He also flagged a separate forthcoming change in methodology for water connection fees, which may shift from a per-acre to a per-dwelling-unit basis and could produce larger increases; the association asked to meet with staff before that item returns to council.

Vice Mayor moved adoption of the resolution to set sewer connection fees for FY 2025—26; the clerk recorded the motion as approved with Councilmember Weir absent.

Clarifying details: staff characterized the adjustment as an annual index tied to construction costs; the Home Builders Association stated the increase amount discussed was 4.33% and requested additional briefings on the pending water connection fee methodology change.

Ending: Staff and development stakeholders said they will continue to discuss methodology and any forthcoming water connection fee updates before council action.