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Rohnert Park council approves multi‑year water rate increases after contentious hearing
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing on Dec. 2, the Rohnert Park City Council adopted staged water rate hikes — 14% in year one, then 9%, 9%, 7% and 6% — citing steep wholesale water costs and aging local infrastructure; the measure passed 4‑1 amid affordability concerns from residents.
Rohnert Park — The City Council voted 4‑1 on Dec. 2 to adopt new water service rates running through 2029, approving a package that starts with a 14% increase in year one followed by 9%, 9%, 7% and 6% in subsequent years. Council Member Rodriguez cast the lone dissenting vote.
The hikes are intended to restore depleted reserves, cover a dramatic rise in wholesale water costs, and fund a multiyear capital program that includes a $13 million well‑and‑tank project. Consultant Mark Hildebrand, who presented the financial analysis to the council, said the utility was “actually starting below your minimum reserve level” and that the proposed increases were structured to rebuild cash and cover planned capital work and higher operating expenses.
The council’s decision came after a formal Proposition 218 notice period and a public hearing that drew residents and technical observers. The city clerk reported 18 written protests — fewer than half of the 13,829 parcels in the city — so state law does not block the increases. Residents at the hearing warned of the burden on seniors and low‑income households.
“I’m a 76‑year‑old senior on Social Security,” said resident April Gambino during public comment. “The rates constantly going up. It’s been really, really difficult for me.”
Council members said they weighed those affordability concerns against infrastructure risks. The council and staff toured the city’s water system in recent months and described aging pipelines, seismically vulnerable tanks and wells in need of rehabilitation. Interim public works staff and the finance team told the council that proactive replacement is less costly and less disruptive than emergency repairs after a failure.
Mayor Gerard Judich said the council sought to balance affordability with the need to maintain service. “If we don’t invest now, we risk larger failures and far higher costs later,” he said during deliberations.
City staff and consultant assumptions reflected sharp increases in the city’s wholesale purchase price from Sonoma County Water Agency; Hildebrand said the agency’s recent increases have been steep — around 12% in the near term under current forecasts — and that the city must plan accordingly. The adopted plan also calls for a $3 million capital reserve and maintains operating reserves equal to roughly six months of budgeted operating expenses.
The council’s action includes a written objection response prepared under AB2257 procedures and a final certification of protests by the city clerk. With the protest threshold not met, the council moved forward and adopted a resolution setting the new water rates for 2026–2029.
What’s next: The city will begin implementing the new rates on the schedule adopted by council. Staff said they would continue to seek grant funding that could offset rates; if a major grant is awarded for the well/tank program, the council said it would consider dialing back future increases. Staff also committed to preparing communications for residents listing available assistance resources and guidance on water conservation.
Public records: The council packet, the final water rate report and the city’s written response to objections are posted on the city website. The clerk’s certified protest tally is part of the administrative record created for this action.
