Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Yorba Linda council says it has not taken a position on Water District rate increase; district schedules tours and hearing
Summary
Residents pressed the council over a circulating clip and proposed Yorba Linda Water District rate increases. The district’s director listed tours in March and a public hearing on April 9; council members reiterated that the council has not agendized or voted on a position and urged residents to review the district’s rate study.
Mayor Carly Rodriguez and other council members told residents that the Yorba Linda City Council has not taken a formal position on a proposed Yorba Linda Water District rate increase and urged the public to attend district outreach events and the April hearing.
At the start of public comment, resident Angie Cohen said a 15-second clip from a November Water District meeting had circulated and asked, “Did the City Council ever formally take a position on the proposed water rate increase?” Cohen also asked whether the council liaison kept the council fully apprised and whether Council Member Janice Lim had been authorized to speak for the city.
Trudy Daroche, a director with the Yorba Linda Water District, told the council and the public that the district will hold three tours in March — March 3, March 10 and March 24 — and a public hearing on April 9. “There are three such opportunities coming up in the near future,” Daroche said, and she urged residents to sign up for tours and to read the consultant’s rate study posted on the district website. Daroche also confirmed the district’s meetings are run by five elected directors and that water and sewer rates are determined by the district board.
Pam, a resident who addressed the council, read figures from a flyer and her bill, saying, “Currently, we’re paying $60.61. It’s supposed to go up to $65.16,” and citing other items in the mailing that raised affordability concerns. She also referenced district financials through June 30, 2025, and questioned why a rate increase was needed given what she described as a healthy net position and cash-on-hand.
Mayor Rodriguez responded directly to concerns about the circulating clip and council authority: “The city council has never had that matter on the agenda. We have not discussed it, and we have not taken any position regarding the proposed water rate adjustment.” The mayor and other council members repeatedly emphasized that the Water District is a separate legal entity; the city attorney confirmed the district sets its own rates.
Council Member Janice Lim, whose remarks were referenced in the circulating clip, said a short excerpt lacked context and that her intent was to support public engagement rather than to express a council position. “If it was misconstrued or looked at a little bit differently, then… I clarify it right now by saying that we’re supportive of the water district and their public engagement and their information that’s being put out there,” Lim said.
City Manager Grant reiterated the separation of roles, saying the City Council has not taken a position on the rate case. Daroche and staff pointed residents to a rate-calculator and the consultant report on the district website and provided a dedicated email for rate questions (rates@ylwd.com).
What’s next: the district’s March tours and the April 9 public hearing are the primary opportunities for residents to review the rate study and file testimony. Council members urged residents concerned about the proposed increases to attend the district events and to use the materials posted online.
