The City of Brentwood announced that it will be increasing its water, sewer and garbage rates after recently completing rate studies.
For water, the City is proposing a 6.5% increase adjustment annually (July) between 2024-28. According to the report (page 43, Item 3.7), the city says the average residential bill in the city is $86.98 with a proposed bill for $90.14 (3.6% increase).
For wastewater, the City is proposing a 2.0% increase adjustment annually (July) between 2024-28. According to the report (page 57, Item 4.7), the city says the average wastewater bill is $47.33 with a proposed bill of $50.38 (6.4% increase).
For garbage, HF&H reviewed the City’s current (FY 22-23) revenues compared to the projected (FY 23-24) revenue requirement. As shown in Figure 1-2, the City is anticipating a system-wide revenue shortfall of $705,649 in FY 23-24, based on projected revenues of $17,242,787 and projected costs of $17,948,437, resulting in a drawdown of reserves in the City’s fund balance. The recommend rates is a 6.0% increase annually which range from $32.50 (32 gallon) to $58.99 (96 gallon) garbage can for once a week service.
The Brentwood City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, City Council Chamber, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, regarding proposed increases to monthly water, sewer and garbage rates.
The following was posted on the City of Brentwood Website
Water, Sewer, Garbage Rate Study 2023
The City has conducted a detailed cost of service study to review and address changing costs to provide water, sewer and garbage service, and to determine appropriate rate adjustments to continue to provide reliable service. A copy of this study is available from the links below.
The study was designed to ensure that the rates are fair and customers only pay for the cost of their service. This notice describes the proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and garbage service and explains how you can participate in the rate setting process.
The study proposes rates based upon the revenues needed to meet projected operating expenses for each utility for the five-year period from July 2023 through June 2028. These operating expenses include the cost of labor and equipment needed to provide service, the cost to maintain and replace infrastructure, and the cost to meet debt obligations and maintain financial reserves. Some major factors supporting rate adjustments include:
- New and increasingly stringent State and Federal environmental regulations
- Higher utility costs to operate facilities
- Increased costs to purchase, treat and deliver water
- Capital projects to further guarantee water supply and quality
Actual rates proposed to be charged are in the following pages. Impacts to individual customer bills will vary dependent upon water usage and level of garbage service. If adopted, the proposed rate increases would become effective July 1, 2023. The rates may be further adjusted, as provided in the study, to accommodate increased expenses from outside sources, such as wholesale water purchases and electricity.
Notice of Public Hearing – Proposed Utility Rate Adjustments
The Brentwood City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, City Council Chamber, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, regarding proposed increases to monthly water, sewer and garbage rates. During the public hearing, the City Council shall hear and consider all objections, if any, to the proposed rates. This notice is being sent to all property owners and utility customers who currently receive utility service from the City of Brentwood. The proposed rates are outlined in the charts included in this notice and, if approved, would become effective July 1, 2023.
Questions may be directed to City of Brentwood
Public Works Department (925) 516-5420
[email protected]
Protest Procedures
Property owners or utility customers may file a written protest opposing the proposed rates. If written protests representing a majority of the parcels subject to the proposed rate(s) are received, the proposed rate(s) will not be imposed. Only one protest will be counted per parcel. A written protest must: (1) state its opposition to one or more of the proposed rates, (2) identify the affected property (by street address or assessor’s parcel number), (3) include the original signature of the property owner or customer of record, (4) be received by the City Clerk before the public hearing closes, and (5) not be withdrawn. Verbal protests will not be counted.
Complete protest submittal guidelines may be found here.
Any property owner or utility customer may submit a written protest. TO BE COUNTED, THE PROTEST MUST BE WRITTEN AND SIGNED AND RETURNED BY THE CLOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 13th. The guidelines for submission and tabulation of protests are available here. In addition, while only written protests will be tabulated, anyone may speak before the City Council at the public hearing scheduled for June 13, 2023, 7:00 PM located at 150 City Park Way.
Written protests may be submitted to:
| City of Brentwood – Utility Rate Protest Attn: City Clerk 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 |
|
| [email protected] | |
| Facsimile | 925) 516-5441 Attn: City Clerk |
Faxed or emailed protests MUST contain a valid signature
WATER and WASTEWATER (SEWER)
Rates are comprised of a fixed (base) monthly charge in addition to a charge for the volume of water used.
Proposed rates for Fiscal Year 2023-24 are shown below.
Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2027-28 rates are proposed to further adjust 6.5% annually for water and 2.0% for wastewater.
Proposed Rates Per Month (Water and Wastewater)
