La Verne council appoints five residents to ad hoc water and sewer rate‑study committee

The La Verne City Council on Sept. 3 appointed five residents to an ad hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee and confirmed the city’s consultant contract to help produce the study.

The appointments were made by direct selection: Mayor Bur named Rick Bowen as his appointee; Mayor Pro Tem Johnson cited Daniel Smith; Councilmember Cash and Councilmember Lao each named candidates to represent their districts, and Councilmember Crosby selected Denita Bamp. Council then moved and approved a single motion ratifying the appointments.

The committee will work under bylaws the council approved in July and will coordinate with a consultant the city contracted to assist with the water and sewer rate analysis. City staff said the ad hoc committee is time‑limited and intended to provide resident input as the city updates rates.

Public commenter Cynthia Gabon told the council she signed up to be considered by residents concerned about rising utility costs, emphasizing the impacts on seniors on fixed incomes and urging more transparency and outreach: “We were all getting beaten down by Edison rates… many of the seniors are very concerned — they’re thinking they won’t have water for their small garden or do their laundry anymore.”

Councilmembers said they selected appointees based on experience and district representation and noted the committee will help explain the underlying drivers of rate changes and the long‑term goals for the utility enterprise. Councilmember comments stressed a need to balance fiscal sustainability with affordability and to provide clear community outreach throughout the study.

Next steps: the council appointments will stand and the ad hoc committee will begin work with city staff and the contracted consultant; staff will return with additional schedule and outreach details as the study progresses.