Bell Gardens council approves ballot measure to seek voter approval to sell municipal water system to Golden State Water

The Bell Gardens City Council voted on June 8 to place a measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot that would authorize the city to sell its municipal water system to Golden State Water Company for a proposed $41 million.

City staff, including Director of Public Works Bernie Inigas and City Engineer Doug Banj, laid out the staff recommendation and said the system serves roughly one‑third of the city’s residents (about 1,650 service connections). The staff presentation said the system has faced long‑running capital and regulatory challenges, including an aging well and a multi‑million‑dollar backlog, and that Golden State’s proposal includes immediate physical integration and commitments to capital investment.

Special counsel John D. Christina explained the sequence the council and public should expect if voters approve the measure: first, voter approval would authorize the sale; second, Golden State would seek regulatory approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which could impose conditions; and third, the city and purchaser would finalize a purchase agreement. "If you vote no tonight, this sale doesn't go through," Christina said, and he stressed that CPUC review could alter conditions of any deal.

Supporters on the dais and staff emphasized that Golden State offered a one‑time payment of $41 million that could be used for city priorities and that the buyer has regulatory obligations under CPUC oversight. Golden State representatives and staff said the company has experience addressing groundwater treatment needs in the basin and proposed investments to improve reliability.

Residents who spoke during public comment urged caution and deeper community outreach. One resident urged councilmembers to consider whether the city could afford to repair and operate the system itself; another encouraged special meetings and more transparency. Resident Edwin Gonzalez said the proposal is a "big deal" and called for robust civic engagement before final action.

The council voted 3–2 to approve staff’s recommendation to place the sale question and the enabling ordinance on the November ballot. The roll call was: Barca — no; Chavez — nay; Sanchez — yes; Mayor Promgian — yes; Mayor Miguel de la Rosa — yes. Council members and staff noted that even if voters approve, the sale must still clear CPUC review and a negotiated purchase agreement that would be brought back to council for final approval.

Key clarifying details provided by staff: the Golden State proposal offered $41 million for the entire water system and all associated water rights; the city has about 1,650 service connections served by the municipal system; previous attempts to address the well’s contaminant (PFAS) issues estimated options ranging up to an $8 million treatment plant; outsourcing imported water since 2020 added roughly $1.2–$1.5 million annually in costs for the portion of supply the city had to buy; and operating the planned PFAS treatment plant was estimated at about $2.665 million per year in O&M (treatment O&M ~$1.3M, system maintenance ~$300K, groundwater costs ~$465K).

What happens next: The council’s action places the question before voters. If voters authorize the sale, Golden State would then seek CPUC approval, which the purchasers and the city said could add conditions or affect the timing and economics of a final sale. Staff and council emphasized the need for community outreach and said additional public information would be provided leading up to the election.