Rates and Fees
On July 21, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a Water Rate increase. The last increase in water rates occurred in 2009, when the District had to increase rates more than 70%, in part, to keep up with expected expenses for producing water for our customers. The increase also placed the District in a financial position that allowed it to obtain a low interest government loan and grant for replacement of aging infrastructure. The 2009 rate study prepared by the District’s engineers also recommended rate increases of 2% to 3% each year as part of our long range planning.
The District has implemented many cost-saving practices since 2009, but it is not enough to keep up with inflation. The Board does not want the District to be in that position again. The adopted increase would help the District have some funds to repair and replace aging infrastructure, and would implement our engineer’s recommendations for the District’s long range planning. The Board believes smaller, annual rate increases that keep the District in line with annual inflation rates is a much better long term strategy to ensure the water supply reliability and quality.
The adopted rate increase affects only the base rate by 3.6%. For in-district residential customers, the monthly base rate will be increased by one dollar.