OJAI VALLEY : 13% Hike Proposed in Local Water Rates
State budget cuts and reduced water sales have prompted the Casitas Municipal Water District to propose a rate hike amounting to 13% for an average household of four, officials said Friday.
Officials plan two public hearings this month to discuss raising rates and cutting the district budget to cover a projected $1.6-million shortfall.
The hearings will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 at 1055 Ventura Ave., in Oak View.
To make up for the shortfall, Casitas General Manager John Johnson proposes instituting about $600,000 in budget cuts, and rate increases of up to 13% for the average household of four. The average household now pays $175 to $200 a year, he said.
If the board passes the rate hike at its November meeting, the new prices will go into effect in December, he said.
The projected deficit stems from a $500,000 reduction in property tax revenue from the state, amounting to a 10% reduction in the district’s $5.1-million budget, Johnson said.
In addition, he said, the district also expects to lose $1.1 million in revenues from water sales because people are conserving water and using less due to uncertain drought conditions.
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