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El Centro delays proposed water/wastewater rate increase to expand public outreach
Summary
Council rescinded an earlier resolution to initiate Prop 218 rate‑setting procedures and postponed the public hearing to allow broader outreach and to align any rate change with lower‑usage winter months.
The council voted 5–0 to rescind an earlier resolution that had initiated Proposition 218 rate‑setting procedures for water and wastewater and to postpone the public hearing so staff could expand outreach.
Public works staff said the change would allow the city to craft a clearer outreach package — a colored pamphlet mailed to customers, QR codes linking to the city website, a dedicated phone line for questions and social‑media reminders — and also to align any proposed change with lower‑usage winter months to reduce immediate cost impact on residents.
"What we're trying to do here is buy us some time, to provide additional outreach, to the public as well as align this rate increase better with a cooler months," a staff presenter said. Councilmembers asked for enhanced education and for clear explanation of the reasons for the change; staff said legal requirements related to mailings and notice would be followed and that the city will return with a revised schedule and outreach plan.
