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Bakersfield council adopts sewer connection fee increase for FY 2024–25
Summary
After a staff presentation and no public testimony, the council adopted a resolution raising the residential sewer connection fee from $5,000 to $6,947 for new connections; staff said the increase aligns fees with infrastructure valuation and keeps the city competitive regionally.
At its Sept. 11 meeting the Bakersfield City Council adopted a resolution updating sewer connection fees for fiscal year 2024–25 after a staff presentation and no public speakers on the item.
Water Department staff explained that sewer connection fees are one‑time impact charges meant to reimburse the city for capacity and infrastructure costs associated with new connections, and described the valuation method used to calculate unit costs. Staff said a model that adjusted fees annually by a construction index since 2009 would have produced a higher fee, and that their proposed approach incrementally updates unit costs.
Yvette Roldan, assistant director of the Water Department, summarized unit cost components and said the proposed residential connection fee would rise to $6,947 (current fee: $5,000). Staff noted commercial and industrial calculation methods and said the city's proposed residential fee remains on the lower end compared with comparable jurisdictions.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Vice Mayor Andre Gonzales moved to adopt the resolution; the clerk announced the motion was approved with Council Members Weir and Kore absent.
