Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sanitation district proposes modest parcel charge rise; public hearing set for May 13
Summary
The sanitation district told Bell council members it needs a levelized rate increase to cover inflation, depleted reserves and sewer repairs, estimating a $2.75–$2.92 monthly bump for many single‑family parcel owners over five years and setting a May 13 board hearing on the Proposition 218 notice.
The Los Angeles County Sanitation District told the Bell City Council it will recommend a five‑year, levelized rate increase for owners of parcels served by the joint outfall system that serves southeastern Los Angeles County.
A district representative said the typical single‑family parcel in Bell would see an increase of about $2.75 to $2.92 per month, starting July 1, if the board approves the proposal. The notice mailed to parcel owners follows Proposition 218 procedures; the district’s board will hold a public hearing on May 13 to consider the measure and accept written protests.
The district representative said the request is driven by two factors: rising operating costs and a need to replenish reserves after several years of modest increases. “Over the last five years our rates have gone up about 10 percent while our expenses are up about 20 percent,” the presenter said, adding that utilities and chemical costs have doubled in some areas.
Council members asked whether the increase could be postponed because of the broader cost burden on residents. The district replied that an outside rate consultant was hired to keep increases as low as feasible and that reserves are effectively exhausted. “We have essentially zero rainy‑day funds and we need to take on financing to do our projects,” the presenter said. He emphasized the district is prioritizing repairs that are most likely to fail and noted that emergency sewer failures have prompted some accelerated projects.
The presenter described programs to limit impacts on low‑use parcel owners, including a ‘‘low water rebate’’ that residents can apply for by submitting water bills to demonstrate below‑average usage. He also described public information meetings and online resources, and said commercial parcels and industrial facilities face separate rate adjustments.
The council did not take a vote on the matter; the district representative said the board makes the final determination on May 13. The presenter encouraged residents with questions about eligibility or parcel charges to contact district customer service or visit the district website for the Proposition 218 notice and protest procedures.
Next steps: the district’s board hearing on May 13 and a final board decision thereafter will determine whether the proposed schedule of increases is adopted.
