Voters reject Rio Vista storm‑drain fee; council to rework scope and outreach

The City Council received the official tabulation on Aug. 6 for the proposed property‑based storm‑drain service fee. Sarah Mears of NBS reported that 2,329 parcel votes were cast; yes votes totaled 1,096 (47.06%) and no votes totaled 1,233, so the measure failed to achieve the majority required under Proposition 218 procedures (Sarah Mears, NBS).

Council members and MRUC volunteers said they were disappointed but agreed the result highlighted shortcomings in outreach and messaging. Councilors and committee members noted several likely causes: confusion about the proposed 8.5% indexing number (some voters mistakenly read it as an inflation surcharge), perception that new developments should not pay for older infrastructure, and general sensitivity to larger near‑term rate increases. MRUC members and staff recommended additional public outreach and possibly re‑scoping projects to present a lower, more palatable fee.

Staff and council discussed options: (1) re‑run the Proposition 218 process with a smaller, prioritized project list and revised rate; (2) conduct targeted outreach to the 2,329 parcel voters to solicit specific feedback on why they voted no; or (3) delay further action until after the November election. Council directed MRUC and staff to re‑examine the project list and outreach plan and return with recommendations, including a possible phased approach or lower rate that preserves the most urgent repairs.

The council adopted Resolution 2024‑063 to ratify the tabulation and move forward with follow‑up work, including improved public engagement and a potential later ballot measure.