WEST COUNTY : VENTURA : Council OKs Hike in Water, Sewer Rates
- Share via
Ventura’s combined water and sewer rates will rise by 12.5% for the average household, according to a rate structure that was approved Monday night during the weekly City Council meeting.
The vote was 6-1, with Councilman James L. Monahan opposed because “I feel they’re (customers) already paying too much.”
The rate hike is part of the two-year budget adopted in June and is needed in part because of a mandatory water conservation ordinance imposed in the spring by the City Council.
In April, water rates increased by 44% and sewer rates by 27% for most single-family households, compensating for the decrease in water consumption caused by the ordinance.
The additional 12.5% increase will also be used for maintenance of Ventura’s water system, said Everette Garmon, a spokesman for the Ventura Department of Revenue.
The council will also require new water and sewer customers to make at least a $60 cash deposit on their accounts to cover two months of service. After receiving 12 months of consecutive payments for the bills, the city would credit the deposit, plus 6% interest, to the customer’s account, according to the plan.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
