Ventura, Calif. — On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, the City of Ventura’s Water Commission unanimously voted to approve the proposed five-year water and wastewater rate increases. The recommended adjustments include a maximum annual rate increase of 7% for water service and 6% for wastewater service for the next five years. For the average homeowners, it is anticipated that this adjustment will amount to an average annual increase of $7.75 to a monthly bill, for the next five years.
“Ventura must continually invest in our water and wastewater systems to ensure safe and reliable services,” shared Ventura Water General Manager Susan Rungren. “It has been nearly three years since Ventura Water has increased rates. As a result, Ventura’s water and wastewater rates have remained relatively low compared to our neighboring communities.”
Over the last ten months, the Water Commission, with the support of City staff and financial consultants, has undergone a Water and Wastewater Rate Study to ensure sufficient revenue is available to operate and maintain existing systems and to invest in future projects.
The rate study evaluates items such as the City’s water rate tiers, water shortage rates, wastewater rate structure, and financing options for major initiatives, such as the State Water Interconnection project and the VenturaWaterPure project.
“Responsible investments are needed now to secure future water supply, replace and repair aging infrastructure, improve water quality, and meet legal and environmental regulations,” stated Assistant City Manager Akbar Alikhan.
As part of its recommendation, the Water Commission requested that rate adjustments beyond the first year are subject to an annual check-in each spring to authorize the rate adjustment necessary for each upcoming July. The Water Commission’s rate recommendation will go before City Council on March 22, 2021. If approved, new rates will be implemented in July 2021.
Ventura Water staff will be sharing anticipated rate impacts at the upcoming Community meetings.
- February 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. – Midtown Ventura Community Council
- February 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. -Pierpont Bay Community Council
- February 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm, East Ventura Community Council
- February 19, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. – Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
- February 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. – College Area Community Council
- March 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. – Montalvo Community Council
More information on proposed rate changes is available atwww.VenturaWaterRates.net.
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