BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 New developments are emerging in the legal battle over the city of Bakersfield’s sewer rate increases.<\/p>\n
Kern County filed a lawsuit against the city in June, challenging a five-year rate plan approved by the city council that will nearly double the annual residential sewer bill this year, with additional increases through 2030.<\/p>\n
Now, the county says SEIU Local 521 is seeking to join the lawsuit.<\/p>\n
In a statement to 23ABC, Kern County said, in part, it welcomes the union’s participation and continues to argue the city’s sewer rate increases are “unlawful and exorbitant.”<\/p>\n
The county also accuses the city of refusing to engage in what it calls “meaningful and collaborative discussions” to find a more affordable solution.<\/p>\n
The city has previously said the higher rates are needed to pay for major wastewater infrastructure improvements.<\/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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