La Verne council approves phased water and sewer rate increases after heated public hearing

La Verne’s City Council voted 5–0 Tuesday to adopt phased increases to water and sewer rates, approving a revised schedule that begins with a 35% water rate increase on Jan. 1, 2026, followed by 25% on July 1, 2026; 15% on July 1, 2027; and two 10% increases on July 1, 2028 and July 1, 2029. The council also directed staff to begin a new rate study in mid‑2027 to reassess revenue needs.

The council opened a Proposition 218 public hearing on the proposal after a staff presentation explaining the rationale for the adjustments. Director of Public Works Danny Woo said, “Tonight is the formal public hearing for the city's proposed water and sewer rate adjustments,” and the city’s consultant walked the council through several rate scenarios and a capital improvement program that staff says is necessary to keep the system functioning.

Why it matters: Staff and the consultant told the council the city has not raised water rates since 2019, has seen significant increases in wholesale water costs and inflation, and has declining reserves while much of the distribution system nears the end of its useful life. The adopted schedule is intended to restore targeted reserves and fund a multi‑year capital program that includes pipeline and treatment projects.

Public comment was lengthy and sharply divided. Dozens of residents—many citing fixed incomes, mobile‑home park residents and senior households—called the initial proposals “devastating” and urged the council to take smaller, more gradual steps. Public commenter Brian Boak said, “I am all for an increase, but I'm against the aggressive increase that we're talking about,” and urged the city to pursue alternatives such as updated development fees and tighter annual budget oversight. Others pressed the council for parcel‑level cost allocations and legal compliance under Proposition 218.

By contrast, some water sector professionals supported a meaningful increase to avoid crises. Sheri Shaw, general manager of Walnut Valley Water District, told the council she had reviewed the consultant’s study and said she supported raising rates to address aging infrastructure and compliance requirements; during the meeting she stated, “I approve the rate increase.” Other residents and engineers described miles of aging pipes, pump stations and wells that require rehabilitation or replacement to prevent service interruptions.

Protests and legal threshold: Staff counted 1,532 valid protest letters submitted before the hearing closed—far short of the roughly 4,769 weighted protests required under Proposition 218 to block the rates. The council noted the count and proceeded to consider motions. City Attorney advised that the city must follow Proposition 218 notice and protest rules and that the consultant’s parcel/commodity charge structure complies with proportionality standards in existing case law.

Council action and next steps: Council Member Crosby made the motion to adopt the modified schedule and to initiate a new rate study to revisit longer‑term needs; Council Member Laauo seconded the motion and the council approved it 5–0. The council also authorized the city manager, finance director and public works director to implement the adopted rates, update the city’s master schedule of fees and charges, and make technical billing corrections.

What was authorized (key implementation dates): the council’s approved timetable starts with a 35% water increase effective Jan. 1, 2026; a 25% increase July 1, 2026; a 15% increase July 1, 2027; and 10% increases on July 1, 2028 and July 1, 2029. Sewer increases in the adopted schedule follow the parameters in the staff report. The council also directed staff to begin a new rate study in mid‑2027 to reassess the multi‑year plan.

What remains unresolved: Residents asked for clearer breakdowns of how much of the new revenue will fund operating vs. capital projects, more granular parcel‑level cost allocations, and protections for low‑income and fixed‑income households. Several speakers raised legal challenges under Proposition 218 that the council and staff said would be addressed by the city’s prepared written responses and statutory procedures. The city also will continue community outreach and publish implementation details and billing updates on its website.

The council adjourned following additional announcements and reminders about Veterans Day and local elections. The new rates and the schedule approved by the council will be implemented by staff according to the authorization given at the meeting.