CLOVIS, CA (KFSN) — Water bills are going up in the City of Clovis.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to be hard for some people,” says Marge, Clovis Resident.<\/p>\n
Rate increases were passed Monday night following a failed majority protest, during which city residents were given their final chance to cast a vote against the move.<\/p>\n
The city held several community meetings and then sent out mailers on March 3rd, but only 76 households wrote in protest.<\/p>\n
Starting January of 2027, ratepayers can expect a 21% jump, then another 21% the next year, and in year three an additional 18%, for a total of 60% over the next three years.<\/p>\n
Some fear this could push residents out of the city.<\/p>\n
“The level of cost being discussed is still worrying for a lot of people I know of my own community and around,” says Joshua Engel, Clovis Resident.<\/p>\n
While others tell us they welcome the increase if it means infrastructure improvements.<\/p>\n
“I think this city manages its resources pretty well, so if it needs to be done to upgrade the infrastructure, it needs to be done,” says Jeff Tiftick, Clovis Resident.<\/p>\n
Right now, an average single-family home pays about $27 bi-monthly. With this jump, they can expect to pay closer to $40 dollars.<\/p>\n
It’s been almost two decades since the city saw a major rate increase, the last time in 2009.<\/p>\n
“Why is it taking us 10 years?” Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck asked.<\/p>\n
City leaders responded, saying a spike in inflation is the main driver for these increases; their operating costs nearly doubled.<\/p>\n
This, along with the need for repairs to the aging system that was built in the 70s and 80s.<\/p>\n
“We recognize it might be time to address that we held out as long as possible, hoping that things would correct themselves and maybe go back down, but we eventually hit a point where we realize, hey, this isn’t changing. It’s not correcting and we need to make an adjustment,” says Kevin Tuttle, Assistant Public Utilities Director.<\/p>\n
The current average rate in Clovis is $28, ranking the city below its neighbors, such as Fresno at $46 and Visalia at $62. However, with this increase, it will surpass Fresno, Madera, and Lemoore, placing it among comparable valley cities.<\/p>\n
Now the city tells Action News that, after these three increases, there will be a steady 3% increase until they reassess and determine they need to make more significant changes.<\/p>\n
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