Water and Wastewater Rate Increase

At a glance

What: Staff asked Council to start the Proposition 218 process for updates and increases to water and wastewater service rates and to set a public hearing for December 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Where it stands: On October 8, 2026 Council tabled the item to November 5, 2026, 6 to 1, at Councilmember Arias's request, so it can return after the general election and the results of two ballot initiatives with budgetary implications for the City.
Next: Item returns November 5, 2026. If Council starts the process, the proposed public hearing date was December 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (no new date is recorded).

Agenda item 2-N (ID 26-1280) was moved from the consent calendar to contested consent by Councilmember Arias.
Councilmember Arias first moved to deny the initiation of Proposition 218, seconded by Councilmember Vang.
Councilmember Arias then amended the motion to bring the item back at the November 5, 2026 meeting, after the general election and once the results of two ballot initiatives with budgetary implications are known. Councilmember Vang seconded.
Result: TABLED to November 5, 2026. Aye 6 (Council President Esparza, Vice President Maxwell, Councilmember Perea, Councilmember Karbassi, Councilmember Arias, Councilmember Vang); No 1 (Councilmember Richardson).
The minutes say council discussion was held but do not summarize it. No members of the public addressed Council on consent items.

Direct City staff to initiate the Proposition 218 process for proposed updates and increases to rates for water and wastewater services.
Set a public hearing on the proposed rates for December 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Rate amounts are not given in the minutes.

Tabled to November 5, 2026 on Councilmember Arias's motion (seconded by Councilmember Vang), 6 to 1; Councilmember Richardson voted no.

Agenda lists the Proposition 218 process for water rate increases; outcome not recorded.