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Board approves water rate changes for Indian Lakes (CSA 1) and surcharge for Sumner Hill (CSA 16)
Summary
The Madera County Board on Dec. 3 approved a CPI‑based rate increase for County Service Area 1 (Indian Lakes) and a temporary surcharge plan for County Service Area 16 (Sumner Hill) to close revenue shortfalls while Sumner Hill pursues system privatization.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 3 to adopt a rate increase for County Service Area 1 (Indian Lakes) and to approve an additional surcharge plan for County Service Area 16 (Sumner Hill) intended to close a revenue gap while the Sumner Hill homeowners association pursues privatization of its water system.
Public Works Deputy Director Andrea Saldate told the board the Indian Lakes action establishes an annual CPI escalator for five years. The monthly base rate will increase from $49.57 to $51.40 and the volumetric rate from $0.87 to $0.90. The board received notice that a majority protest threshold would be 258 valid protests from the 514 property owners; staff reported one valid protest as of the hearing. The board adopted the resolution to implement the CPI escalation and the new base/volumetric rates on roll call (4‑0).
On Sumner Hill (CSA 16), staff described the community’s intent to privatize its water system and presented a proposed surcharge schedule to close an interim revenue gap for operation and maintenance. The county and the HOA negotiated terms including a one‑time HOA payment toward outstanding debt; staff reported the HOA delivered a partial payment (roughly $550,000 of an approximately $580,000 obligation) to reduce debt exposure. Notices were sent to 49 properties; 26 valid protests would be required to stop the surcharge, and staff reported one valid protest currently logged. The board adopted the resolution to levy the surcharges and set implementation per the staff backup materials (roll‑call vote 4‑0).
Both actions were presented as public hearings. No significant public testimony opposed the Indian Lakes adjustment; no members of the public attended the Sumner Hill hearing to protest during the board meeting. Staff said the Sumner Hill surcharge is separate from the HOA’s debt service, which the HOA is addressing directly.
Details and follow up: Indian Lakes’ CPI escalator will be applied each July 1 beginning next fiscal year; the Sumner Hill surcharge schedule is described in the board packet and will be implemented as adopted. Both items passed on roll‑call votes of 4‑0 (Supervisor Gonzales absent).
