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Bakersfield officials explain proposed sewer-rate increase, Proposition 218 process
Summary
City of Bakersfield Assistant Water Director Yvette Roldan told the city podcast the Public Works sewer enterprise needs more revenue because reserves have been drawn down and costs (equipment, chemicals, electricity) and demand have risen; Proposition 218 notices will be mailed in early March and a public hearing is set for April 22.
Assistant Water Director Yvette Roldan told the City of Bakersfield’s Something Better podcast that the city is proposing a five-year sewer-rate schedule to shore up the Sewer Enterprise Fund and pay for aging treatment plants and rising operating costs.
“Everything having to do with the collection system and the treatment plants, they are only funded by sewer rates,” Roldan said. “We have had reserves in the past and we have slowly been stripping away at those reserves.” She said COVID-related supply and chemical-price spikes, higher electricity costs and city growth have all increased operating expenses.
The city sought and received authorization Feb. 11 to mail a Proposition 218 notice that will show the proposed rates through July 1, 2030, a breakdown of how revenue would be…
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