Long Beach residents brace for water and sewer rate hike, Long Beach Utilities Commission scheduled public hearing in August
Long Beach, California – As the Long Beach Utilities Commission has set a public hearing to address the subject, Long Beach residents will soon have the chance to express their opinions on suggested hikes to their water and sewer bills. The hearing is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 19, at the Long Beach Utilities Administration Building located at 1800 E. Wardlow Road.
The commission is weighing an 8% rise in sewer charges and an 11% rise in water costs. Should these changes be accepted, water and sewer services taken together would cause an average monthly cost of almost $7 per family. Furthermore expected to climb for every home is gas charges, almost $2 per month.
Officials argue that the need to pay for required maintenance and infrastructure improvements—which they claim are essential given the effects of climate change and a rising need for improved customer service—as well as cover the rising costs of water delivery supports this suggested rate increase.
Under state law, such hikes call for a public hearing so residents may voice their concerns and opposition. The law states that if most ratepayers explicitly oppose, the suggested rate hikes cannot be adopted. Those who want to object to the rate increases can go to the hearing, send a written protest or email their concerns to commission@lbutilities.org.
The outcome of the public hearing could lead to the adoption of the new rates if there is not significant opposition from the community. Any approved rate modifications following the hearing would also have to be approved by the Long Beach City Council prior to implementation.
The Long Beach Utilities Commission invites all interested citizens and consumers to take part in the forthcoming hearing so that their opinions on the proposed financial adjustments affecting their monthly utility bills may be heard.
