Salinas City Council moves forward with potential sewer rate increases
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) -- People in Salinas are reacting after the city votes to pass an ordinance increasing sewer rates. The decision would potentially triple rates come July and see an annual 2 percent increase for the next ten years.
Some who live in Salinas are not happy about the hike.
The Salinas City Council approved a plan to increase sewer rates in a 6-to-1 vote on Tuesday. Adriana Robles is the city engineer.
“What the master plan update found was that we had lots of deficiencies in our system,” city engineer Adriana Robles said. “It also identified areas where we are anticipating development. This is primarily north of Boronda.”
In her presentation, Robles described how the city is responsible for more than 280 miles of coverage zone, with 11 sewer lift stations.
“At our current rate of $5.45 per month, we would have a shortfall of approximately $400,000.”
She adds that maintaining the current system, implemented in the 1960s, has become a financial burden.
Since 2012, Salinas residents have been paying $6 for sewer rates. This number will increase to close to $16. Many residents are not happy with this decision.
Myra Curane lives in Salinas and works two jobs. Yet, her paycheck is only enough to cover the bills.
“We are paying all the bills, but some families that are like only a single family and paying the bills and they get paid only like the minimum or they have kids, they have to feed the kids, pay the bills, even the paycheck is high.” She adds that costs are increasing, yet many families struggle with income staying mostly the same.
The city will now wait for a protest vote from residents. If more than 50 percent of homeowners oppose, the proposition may be revoked. Andrew Sandoval was the only council member opposing the hike.
“I am willing to bet that the majority of people that are going to come here are going to be senior citizens,” he says, referencing the public notice homeowners will receive. “There is almost no way that we are going to get the majority of residents to respond to a notice until its probably too late.”
For now, the city has approved this proposal pending residents’ opposition votes. If it passes, higher rates could take effect as early as July 1. A public hearing is scheduled for June 17.
Salinas City Council discuss potential sewer rate increases
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Findings from a new study on the sewer system in Salinas may increase the pay rate for community members up to $16.
The new sanitary sewer rate study examines the last decade of service in Salinas.
The study suggests the current rate be raised to $16.35 or $15 per equivalent dwelling unit or EDU.
The current rate has remained at $5.46 per EDU since 2012.
Reasons include the rise in population, operation costs including maintenance, and inflation.
The study also found that there is not an increase, a funding shortfall could impact scheduled repairs.
The Salinas City Council will overlook the findings at the next council meeting on March 11 during a presentation.
After, the council will discuss a future hearing date for the public to weigh in with their thoughts on the matter..
