Public hearing in Hopland to address proposed 40% water rate increase

The Hopland Public Utility District will hold a public hearing this week on a proposed 40% water and 25% wastewater rate increase that would help pay for aging infrastructure, inflation costs and a utility relocation program. 

The district prepared a study examining operational costs, water and wastewater treatment, facility replacements and upgrades, and other factors, according to a notice sent by the district to residents.  

The study found that the rate increase was needed to increase the district’s reinvestment in aging infrastructure, address the impact of inflation on all costs, and fund a utility relocation project that is being required by Caltrans, the district’s notice states.  

The 40% increase in water usage rates would mean that the current rate of $1.90 per 1,000 gallons would rise to $2.66 per 1,000 gallons. If approved, the new rate would take effect Nov. 1. Additional annual increases are proposed through July 2029. The proposed percentage increase for each year can be viewed at this link. 

The district will hold a public hearing Thursday at Brutocao Cellars, where residents can learn more about the proposal. If more than 50% of property owners oppose the rate increase with a written protest, it cannot be approved by the district. To be valid, written protests must be delivered in person at the public hearing or mailed to the Hopland Public Utility District at 151 Laws Ave. in Ukiah. The protests must be received before the end of the public hearing.  

The public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Brutocao Cellars, 13500 S. Highway 101 in Hopland. 

The cost study prepared by the Hopland Public Utility District is available by contacting the district office at (707) 462-2666. 

This story originally appeared in The Mendocino Voice.