BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 Property owners in Bakersfield could get the opportunity to protest a newly proposed sewer rate increase plan.<\/p>\n
The current sewer rate for single-family homes is $247.13, according to the Bakersfield City Council meeting agenda for Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Watch \u2018After Sunrise\u2019 on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In October, the City Council considered different options for its sewer rate, one of which included a 92% increase to $475<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, the City Council is set to consider approving sending out Proposition 218 notices to property owners in February, the agenda said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The proposed rate increase would not be enacted if more than 50% of property owners protest the proposal.<\/p>\n The City Council will not approve the proposed rate increase on Wednesday.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In April, the City Council approved then rescinded a sewer rate proposal that would have increased the rate up to 300% over the next five years.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.<\/p>\n Hard Rock Casino Tejon donates $10,000 to Houchin Community Blood Bank Monday <\/a><\/p>\n The city of Bakersfield held several community meetings over the past few months, including four in January<\/a>, to inform the public on possible rate options and receive feedback and questions.<\/p>\n The public hearing to consider the proposed update is set for April 22, according to the agenda.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n