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Oceanside delays vote on proposed water, wastewater rate increases after public pushback; hearing continued to Nov. 5
Summary
City staff proposed a 6% annual water rate increase and a 4% annual wastewater increase for 2026–27; residents raised affordability concerns and questions about large pass‑through costs from the San Diego County Water Authority. Council voted unanimously to continue the hearing to Nov. 5 for more analysis.
Mayor Sanchez and the Oceanside City Council on Oct. 1 continued a contentious public hearing on proposed water and wastewater rate increases after extended public comment and council questions about cost drivers and equity.
Staff proposed a 6% average increase in city water rates and a 4% average increase in wastewater rates for each of 2026 and 2027, along with adjustments to watershed protection and fire‑line charges and updates to external pass‑through charges from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the Metropolitan Water District. Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman said the changes would generate roughly $2.8 million (water) and about $2.0 million (wastewater) for operations and capital work and noted that roughly half of a typical single‑family customer’s monthly bill comes from…
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