VENTURA : Water-Sewer Bills to Rise Average 17%
Most Ventura households will be charged about 17% more on their bimonthly water and sewer bills starting in mid-June, making the city’s rates the highest in the county.
The Ventura City Council on Monday voted 5 to 2 to approve the rate increase, saying more money was needed to upgrade city pipes and sewer facilities.
As of June 17, water and sewer rates for the average family of four will be about $76 every two months, an increase of about $10. The city will surpass Ojai, which had the highest rates at an average of about $75 every two months.
According to Terry Adelman, Ventura’s finance director, the city must pay nearly $2 million to upgrade facilities and bring them into compliance with state standards.
Adelman said the city must also pay off about $500,000 of debt incurred from past improvements to the ailing water and sewer system.
Councilmen James Monahan and Jack Tingstrom, who voted against the increase, urged the city staff to find another way to pay for the upgrades.
But Councilwoman Cathy Bean said, “It’s time to bite the bullet” and raise the rates to pay for the repairs. “This is catch-up time.”
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