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Arcata staff present options to raise water and sewer rates as infrastructure needs mount
Summary
Consultants told the Arcata City Council the water and wastewater utilities face multi‑million‑dollar capital needs and two rate paths: an immediate recovery with higher upfront increases or a phased approach that costs more over time. Staff signaled plans to begin the Proposition 218 notice process and public outreach this winter.
Consultants presented two paths for covering major water and wastewater repairs and upgrades that would raise rates for Arcata households.
Tabitha, a city staff presenter, and Eric Helgeson of Bartle Wells Associates told the council the city faces immediate capital needs and a long‑term investment deficit. "There's about $36,000,000 of capital over the next 5 years," Helgeson said, summarizing the water enterprise's projected project list. He added the water fund will likely need debt financings and a possible bond to stabilize reserves.
Tabitha described two rate scenarios for the water…
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