Coachella council approves staff-recommended Prop 218 schedule to address Chromium-6 and fund water projects

The Coachella City Council voted on April 8 to advance the city’s comprehensive water and wastewater cost-of-service study under the staff-recommended schedule (Option 2). Utility staff explained the primary driver is a state mandate to treat Chromium-6 in water, and the city has not updated water rates since 2015 nor completed a sewer cost-of-service study since 2017.

Under the approved timeline staff recommended beginning a four-month (staff suggested extending to five months) public outreach program immediately, adopting the cost-of-service study in August 2026, authorizing mailing of Prop 218 notices to set a public hearing in October 2026, and — if adopted at hearing — making the new rates effective Jan. 1, 2027. Staff said moving forward sooner improves the city’s positioning for competitive state grant and low-interest loan funding and allows more time to reattempt adoption before the fiscal-year deadline if initial hearings fail.

Council and public speakers asked staff to prioritize accessible outreach: in-person workshops in community locations (the library was suggested), mock bills or bill simulators, Spanish-language materials and Zoom/webinar options for residents who cannot attend in person. Staff agreed to return with a proposed public-outreach framework and budget options at the next meeting.

The council’s formal motion adopted Option 2 as the Prop 218 schedule. Staff noted the state’s grant cycles place a premium on completing major application components this calendar year so the city can be considered for FY2027 funding.

Next steps: staff will implement the outreach plan and return with the cost-of-service adoption on the proposed schedule; the outcomes of public hearings will determine whether and when new rates take effect.