BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Property owners in Bakersfield could get the opportunity to protest a newly proposed sewer rate increase plan.

The current sewer rate for single-family homes is $247.13, according to the Bakersfield City Council meeting agenda for Wednesday.

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City staff is proposing a five-year rate increase through 2031. The rate would increase to $475 in the first year then increase by $100 each year until it comes up to $875.

In October, the City Council considered different options for its sewer rate, one of which included a 92% increase to $475.

On Wednesday, the City Council is set to consider approving sending out Proposition 218 notices to property owners in February, the agenda said.

Proposition 218 is a state law passed in 1996 that gives property owners 45 days to protest a new or increased property-related fee. They can protest this either in writing or at a public hearing.

The proposed rate increase would not be enacted if more than 50% of property owners protest the proposal.

The City Council will not approve the proposed rate increase on Wednesday.

The sewer and stormwater collection systems and the two wastewater treatment plants in Bakersfield are supported mainly by user fees, according to the agenda. The single-family residential fee is collected via the property tax bill.

In April, the City Council approved then rescinded a sewer rate proposal that would have increased the rate up to 300% over the next five years. The proposal set the rate at $950 per year, or $79.17 per month.

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The city of Bakersfield held several community meetings over the past few months, including four in January, to inform the public on possible rate options and receive feedback and questions.

The public hearing to consider the proposed update is set for April 22, according to the agenda.

The City Council is set to approve mailing out the notices during its meeting at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave.

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