The county of Kern and SEIU Local 521 agree that the sewer rate increases adopted by the city of Bakersfield in May are unfair, excessive and illegal. Both organizations have taken legal action to block the increase, but agree that a better course would be to meet with the city now rather than spend years \u2014 and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars \u2014 in court. Together, we can develop a fairer approach that keeps sewer rates affordable while investing in reliable sewer infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Our organizations do not always take the same position on every issue. On this issue, however, we agree: The sewer rate increases are unconstitutional, and our position is in the best interests of all community residents.<\/p>\n
The facts are straightforward. The city of Bakersfield\u2019s 2026-2030 Sewer Rates and Fees Report makes clear that nearly half of the 254% rate increase imposed on current users will not benefit them. Instead, those funds will finance a massive expansion of Plant 3, as well as new storm sewers and trunk lines in southwest Bakersfield, primarily to serve high-end residential developments and industries that have not yet been built.<\/p>\n
To be clear, the county of Kern and SEIU Local 521 support investing in Bakersfield\u2019s sewer infrastructure. That is not at issue. City sewer workers represented by SEIU 521, who keep our wastewater system running, know this firsthand: Investment in these facilities is necessary to meet the needs of a growing Bakersfield and protect the services on which residents and businesses depend.<\/p>\n
The issue is the unfair and illegal manner in which current residents are being forced to pay for investment that will disproportionately benefit future users. That is wrong, particularly when mechanisms, such as charging appropriate connection fees to new users, are available to ensure that these costs are allocated fairly. Growth should pay for growth.<\/p>\n
The city has indicated that it plans to oppose SEIU 521\u2019s application to intervene in the county\u2019s lawsuit, potentially resulting in two lawsuits instead of one. That raises a simple question: Are additional lawsuits and legal costs really in taxpayers\u2019 best interests, or would the people of Bakersfield be better served by good-faith discussions among community leaders?<\/p>\n
The city should come to the table with the county and the union representing thousands of households affected by the increased fees.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not too late. Let’s sit down together, explore alternatives and develop a funding plan that protects our infrastructure while treating Bakersfield residents fairly.<\/p>\n
We know from experience that issues of this magnitude cannot be resolved without good faith dialogue, and that is what we are calling for today. We urge the city to build on its commitment to fiscal stewardship by avoiding unnecessary litigation costs and meeting with the county of Kern and SEIU Local 521 to pursue a fair, negotiated solution that serves the public interest.<\/p>\n
The best outcomes are achieved through honesty, collaboration and meaningful engagement with the community and those most impacted, not in the courtroom.<\/p>\n