URAC weighs messaging and outreach as city prepares to propose water, wastewater rate increases

The Utilities Rate Advisory Commission on Wednesday discussed outreach plans and core messages the city will use to explain a proposed multi-year water and wastewater rate adjustment that staff says is needed to shore up aging infrastructure and address an operating shortfall.

David Levine, Long Range Financial Planning Manager for the Department of Utilities, told the commission the outreach work will support “the rate adjustments needed to ensure continued financial viability and address the most critical operational, administrative, and capital needs in the water and wastewater funds.” He said Department of Utilities staff and consultants have identified nearly 200 community groups to engage through targeted outreach and two-way conversations.

Samantha Villegas, a communications and public outreach consultant with Raftelis, listed the case the city plans to make to residents: aging pipes and treatment systems, the cost of delay compared with emergency repairs, rising prices for materials and labor since the last rate change, stricter state and federal standards, and the need to…