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Council adopts wastewater rate increase after Proposition 218 hearing
Summary
Following a Proposition 218 public hearing, Atascadero City Council adopted a wastewater rate increase of $10.54 per EDU per month (one EDU current monthly rate cited as $50.06); staff said the change will generate slightly more than $1 million annually for wastewater operations and capital.
Atascadero City Council held a Proposition 218 public hearing May 12 and adopted new wastewater rates, moving the city toward funding required upgrades and long‑term treatment‑plant planning.
Public Works Analyst Ryan Betts summarized the rate study and explained the city uses an equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) methodology. Betts told the council the current monthly rate for one EDU is stated in the notice as $50.06 and the proposed increase is $10.54 per month. He said the increase would produce “a little over $1,000,000 dollars” in additional annual wastewater revenue, with all revenue directed to the wastewater enterprise fund for collections, treatment and capital improvements.
Council members asked whether property owners or businesses could volunteer water‑use data to refine classification. Staff said future work will include a user classification study using aggregated consumption data and voluntary business submissions where appropriate.
The city clerk reported one valid written protest and no majority protest under Proposition 218. Council member Funk moved to certify the protest results and adopt the rate resolution; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Staff said the adopted rates would take effect July 1, 2026.
Next steps: staff will continue the task‑force engagement process and complete the user classification work and design alternatives for the wastewater treatment plant.
