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Inglewood council adopts water and sewer rate increases after heated public comment; 33% of ratepayers protested
Summary
After a presentation by Public Works and a consultant showing a 30% overall water revenue increase is needed to rebuild reserves and fund capital projects, the council adopted water, sewer and recycled water rate adjustments. Public commenters — seniors, renters, cemetery officials and others — opposed the increases and raised equity and transparency concerns; staff said protests totaled about 33% of ratepayers, below the Proposition 218 threshold to block the changes.
The council held a public hearing on proposed adjustments to the city’s water, sewer and recycled water rates to address depleted enterprise reserves, rising costs of imported water and aging infrastructure.
Public Works Director Tony Olmos explained that the city has been drawing from the water fund reserves to cover operating costs and that Metropolitan Water District increases and inflation have raised the cost of imported water. Consultant Steve Gagnon of Raftelis presented the financial plan and recommended revenue increases to restore reserves (a target of roughly $12 million) and to fund capital needs (about $8 million per year in water capital projects). Gagnon said the overall water revenue increase for the customer mix would be about 30% and cited a typical single‑family bill impact of approximately $18.25 per month; sewer adjustments would produce a typical single‑family bill increase of about $0.20 per month.
During several hours of public comment, residents, renters, property owners and business representatives voiced strong opposition or asked for alternatives and greater transparency. Common themes: the effect on seniors and fixed‑income renters, doubts about outreach and notice timing, requests that stadiums and large venues shoulder more of the cost, and concerns from Inglewood Park Cemetery staff that reclaimed‑water bills have risen sharply and could increase by about 63% by 2029.
Council discussion emphasized a need to stabilize enterprise finances and avoid deferring maintenance that would cause main breaks, sinkholes or sewer spills. Councilmembers acknowledged the unpopularity of rate increases but said failing to act would require using reserves or other measures that would defer necessary infrastructure work. A motion to adopt the rate adjustments was moved and seconded; roll call recorded aye votes for the members present. The city clerk then announced it had received written protests from approximately 33% of ratepayers — short of the Proposition 218 threshold (50% + 1) required to prevent the rate adjustments from taking effect — and the council proceeded with adoption.
What’s next: The rate changes will return as implemented unless additional valid protests change the threshold outcome; staff will proceed with planned capital program phases identified in the rate study.
