Sewer rates in Vista could go up as much as 5.5% over the next three years as the city looks to cover increasing costs and necessary maintenance projects.
A firm hired by the city to review sewer infrastructure and rates recommended the price hikes to the City Council recently as the first step in the process. Sewer rates were last increase in 2022.
The city oversees two sewage districts. The Buena Sanitation District covers portions of southern Vista along Highway 78 and unincorporated areas east of the city. The City of Vista covers the rest of the city.
The proposed increases are 5.5% in the Vista district and 4% in the Buena district for each of the next three years. The city estimates that will come out to $29 to $53 more each year for an average single-family home.
The council members unanimously voted to move forward with the rate study while also adding $25,000 from the city’s general fund to a rebate program that helps residents with low income pay for sewer service.
Mayor John Franklin said he would prefer to see more frequent, but smaller increases in the future.
“I think we need to move forward with this the way it is even though it’s a bit of heartburn,” Franklin said.
The council is slated to review the finalized sewer rate study at its March 24 meeting. After that discussion, notices will be mailed to customers. A public hearing about the rates is expected May 26. If the council approves the new rates after the public hearing May 26, they will take effect in June.
Last year, the city completed an update to the Sewer Master Plan, which identified repair and maintenance projects over the next few years that would cost approximately $50.2 million for the Vista district and $23.5 million for the Buena district.