Council delays major steps on Riverbank recycled water project after public outcry over costs and rates

Riverbank City Council on Oct. 14 postponed three agenda items tied to the Riverbank Regional Recycled Water Project — a $3,686,000 change order request to advance design from 60% to 90% (Brown and Caldwell), a $260,337 program management contract amendment (KSN), and preselection of major equipment (AQUA Aerobic Systems Inc., Android Separation Technologies Inc., TrojanUV).

Public works director Cody Bridgewater summarized the need to advance design to preserve schedule and noted the proposed 90% design would include detailed mechanical, electrical and structural drawings, optional design services and a commissioning plan; staff estimated completion of the 90% design phase in about 14 months (by December 2026) and said the cost would come from Sewer Fund 106, funds staff said had been built up through sewer rate increases approved in 2022.

More than a dozen residents urged the council to pause the contracts and seek a refreshed feasibility study and broader outreach. Speakers cited identified financing to date — "$63,000,000 in loans" referenced by a resident — and described projected total project estimates that have grown (residents quoted figures as high as $136,000,000). "Sewer bills are already climbing — they're about $80 a month now. It could go over to $100 by 2027," said resident Josh Flanagan during public comment. Residents urged the council to evaluate less costly alternatives, capacity charges for developers, additional grant opportunities and to provide clearer cost‑benefit analyses before committing more design funds.

Council members questioned the timing, the adequacy of prior feasibility work, and whether committing to a 90% design would reduce funding eligibility. Councilmember Fossey and others called for a reissued feasibility study and recommended pausing action until additional analysis and clearer public communication could be completed. Motions to postpone 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4 were made and passed unanimously (5–0).

The postponement does not cancel the project but delays the city's expenditure of Sewer Fund resources on the next design phase and related procurement while staff prepares additional feasibility analysis and outreach materials.