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Hillsborough council directs notice for proposed 2026–2030 water rate adjustment after 4–1 vote
Summary
The Hillsborough City Council voted 4–1 to direct staff to mail the required notice and set a public hearing at least 45 days later on a proposed uniform 2026–2030 water rate adjustment, after consultants presented the Water Rate Study and Council discussed implementation details.
The Hillsborough Town Council voted 4–1 on April 13 to direct staff to mail the Notice of Public Hearing on a proposed uniform 2026–2030 water rate adjustment and to set the hearing no fewer than 45 days after the notice is mailed.
Director of Finance Jan Cooke introduced the water rate study prepared by HF&H Consultants. Senior Vice President Rick Simonsen and Project Manager Gabe Sasser of HF&H outlined the study’s recommendations and financial assumptions. Public Works Director Paul Willis and Lutfi Karuf, partner at Best Best & Krieger, answered Council questions on implementation and legal considerations.
Mayor Sophie Cole moved the staff direction and Councilmember Laurie Davies Adams seconded. The motion carried 4–1 on a roll-call vote: Adams, Chuang, Ragsdale and Cole voted yes; Councilmember Christine Krolik voted no.
The vote does not set final rates; it directs staff to proceed with mailing the statutorily required hearing notice under the Town’s rate-setting procedures and to hold a public hearing at least 45 days later. The study itself and supporting materials will be available for public review in advance of the hearing.
Councilmember Krolik expressed opposition during the vote; the minutes record a single “no” but do not include further detail of her concerns. The Council did not adopt final rates at the April 13 meeting; any change to water rates will require a subsequent public hearing and formal action.
Next steps: staff will mail the Notice of Public Hearing and publish materials about the proposed rate structure so residents can review the HF&H analysis before the scheduled hearing.
