BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Bakersfield residents and businesses will see sewer rates climb steadily over the next five years after the City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to adopt staff’s recommended rate increase.<\/p>\n
The fixed annual sewer service charge will rise from $475 in fiscal year 2026-27 to $875 by fiscal year 2030-31. The increases take effect each July 1, beginning July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n
The Bakersfield Water Department partnered with HF&H Consultants in 2025 to conduct a revenue rate study assessing what the city needs to cover the costs of operating and maintaining its sewer and stormwater collection systems and two wastewater treatment plants. <\/p>\n
Staff developed 15-year infrastructure and financial plans identifying capital improvement projects, operations and maintenance needs, and staffing requirements. <\/p>\n
HF&H conducted a new cost-of-service analysis in 2026, incorporating community feedback gathered through multiple public outreach events.<\/p>\n
Water Director Kristina Budak’s staff recommended the five-year rate schedule, noting the Sewer Enterprise Fund is self-sustaining and relies primarily on sewer user rates. <\/p>\n
Staff warned that failing to adopt the proposed rates would leave the fund underfunded in upcoming fiscal years.<\/p>\n
Before the final vote, council members considered several alternatives. Council member Kaur moved to deny the rate increase entirely. <\/p>\n
Council member Gonzales moved to pursue a three-year rate increase proposed by the County of Kern. <\/p>\n
Council member Arias moved to adopt staff’s recommendation with direction that staff develop a one-time allocation for very-low and fixed income households beginning next fiscal year. <\/p>\n
Arias’s motion failed 2-5, with Kaur, Weir, Smith, Koman, and Bashirtash opposed.<\/p>\n
Council member Smith then moved to accept staff’s recommendation. That motion passed 5-2, with Kaur and Weir voting against.<\/p>\n
The city mailed Proposition 218 notices to all affected property owners on March 5 and March 19, 2026, and held two public hearings \u2014 on April 22 and May 13 \u2014 before Tuesday’s vote. <\/p>\n
Staff determined the proposed fees do not exceed the reasonable estimated cost of providing services, as required under Proposition 218.<\/p>\n
The rate increases have no impact on the city’s General Fund.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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