Ontario adopts water, sewer and solid‑waste rate increases after Prop. 218 hearing; average household bill to rise about $8.65

The Ontario City Council on Oct. 7 adopted adjustments to water, sewer and solid‑waste service charges following a Prop. 218‑required public hearing and a clerk’s tabulation finding no majority protest.

Utilities General Manager Scott Burton presented the rate study to the council, saying the combined enterprise budget for these services is "about $195 million" and that staff recommends rate changes driven by higher energy and chemical costs, increased capital needs and higher pass‑throughs from partner agencies. Burton told the council the recommended increase for the current fiscal year would raise the water charge by about $4.31 per month for an average single‑family customer; combined with sewer and solid‑waste changes the typical billed customer would see roughly an $8.65 monthly increase.

The Prop. 218 process and protest count: The city clerk reported receiving 39 valid written protest letters for water, 37 for sewer and 37 for solid waste. The clerk said the number required to constitute a majority protest would equal 26,213 identified parcels, and therefore "a majority protest does not exist" for any of the proposed rates, allowing the council to proceed.

Public comment and opposition: Residents and advocates urged the council to reconsider or delay increases. Speakers criticized the timing because of high cost of living and cited recent capital spending on a sports‑complex project as a counterpoint to raising user charges. Several speakers argued the city should seek other funding sources or expand low‑income relief.

Council discussion and action: Councilmembers and city officials discussed rate drivers and comparisons with neighboring agencies, noting that Ontario’s investments in groundwater, recycled‑water systems and wellhead treatment affect rates. Staff said the city offers a revamped low‑income/disabled/senior discount that can reduce an eligible household bill by about $15 per month; roughly 230 customers had enrolled at the time of the hearing. After discussion the council voted to adopt the rate resolution by a 4–0 vote (Councilmember Wapner excused).

What it means: The adjustments are intended to keep enterprise funds solvent for ongoing operations, capital replacement and regulatory compliance. The rate decision is limited to utility users and is calculated to align charges to the cost of service under California law.