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Belmont council directs Prop 218 notice with conditional 1%/1%/1% rate option, approves noticing 4–1
Summary
Council considered a three‑year sewer rate plan (0%,0%,3%) and voted 4–1 to authorize Prop 218 noticing with a conditional amendment directing staff to implement a 1%/1%/1% schedule if logistics allow; Vice Mayor Jordan voted no.
Public Works Director Edrick Kwan and HDR consultant Sean Korn presented a comprehensive sewer rate study that proposed a three‑year schedule of 0% in FY26–27 and FY27–28, then 3% in FY28–29, and recommended proceeding with the Proposition 218 (Prop 218) noticing process required for the change. Korn explained the study’s revenue requirement, cost allocation between low‑ and high‑strength customers, and the removal of the drought regulation adjustment (DRA) for the period.
Councilmembers discussed an alternative to the staff‑recommended 0/0/3 schedule: spreading increases evenly as 1%/1%/1%. Several members said either approach would reach a similar long‑term revenue target; staff indicated both were feasible but added that Prop 218 noticing and mailing deadlines would require expedited adjustments if the council selected the 1% phased approach.
Councilmember Tom McCune moved to approve the rate schedule with the amendment setting rates at 1%, 1% and 1% if staff could meet the Prop 218 noticing logistical deadlines; the motion included a fallback that if staff could not meet the deadline, the original 0%, 0%, and 3% schedule would remain in effect. The motion passed on a roll call vote, 4–1 (Yes: McCune; Loudermillo; Peng Manganaras; Mayor Julia Maetz. No: Vice Mayor Jordan). Council directed staff to update the Prop 218 materials and coordinate with the mail house to meet noticing requirements.
