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CPUD Board Rejects Rate Increase Proposal–August 2018

For Immediate Release August 17, 2018

On August 14, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Calaveras Public Utility District held a public hearing on a proposed increase to the District’s water rates.  Attendance at the hearing was very high, and dozens of CPUD customers addressed the Board to express concerns about the size of the proposed increase and the speed at which the increase would be phased in.

The District received what appeared to be written protests against the rate increase from the owners of 661 parcels served by the District.  Since these protests represented less than a majority of the 2,028 parcels served by the District, the Board legally could have approved the proposed increase.  However, in light of the level of public concern, as well as the number of speakers who wanted more information about the proposed increase or more opportunity to provide input, the Board rejected the proposal by a 2-3 vote.

The District has not increased its rates since 2012, and current rates are insufficient to fund necessary maintenance and rehabilitation of the aging CPUD water system.   Therefore, the District’s rates will need to be increased in near future.  However, the District has heard the concerns expressed by the public and will provide more opportunities for public involvement in the rate setting process before any increase is proposed.  The Board will discuss plans for this process at a future meeting.

The Calaveras Public Utility District provides a safe, clean and reliable water supply to more than 2,000 households and commercial customers in a service area that stretches over 35 square miles.

Resolution 2018-10 Water Rates.pdfProp 218 Notice.pdfCPUD-Water-Rate-Cost-of-Service-Study - June 27 2018 Final.pdfFrequently Asked Questions.pdf