San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board Approves Rate Increase in Response to Fire and Storm Recovery Costs

FEB 16, 2024 — BOULDER CREEK, CA — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (the District) today announced the Board of Directors voted 4-1 to approve a proposed rate increase following a Proposition 218 process. The vote was taken at the District’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

The new rates for water and Bear Creek Estates wastewater services will go into effect March 1, 2024. The additional revenue will help address impacts from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, COVID, the destructive storms of winter 2022/2023 and increased costs to provide service for customers.

The rate increases are the result of a rate study process that began in March 2023 and included eight public meetings.

A Proposition 218 notice was sent to customers in late December. Per Proposition 218, property owners and customers were allowed to file written protests about the proposed rate increase.

Additional Background

The District depends on income from ratepayers for 85% of its total revenue. This revenue funds both ongoing operating costs and major infrastructure improvements (essential maintenance, critical upgrades, and storm/fire repairs and replacements). Expenses over the past decade have been increasing faster than inflation due to rising cost of operations and maintenance and state-mandated expenses beyond the District’s control.

The rate increase for water service will be spread over a 5-year period. The specific water rate increase for each customer will depend on their meter size, the amount of water used — including seasonal variations in water use — and their user category (e.g., residential vs. industrial).

The new rates for Bear Creek Estates wastewater customers also will be implemented on March 1, 2024.

For more information about the rate changes, including frequently asked questions, financial plans and presentations, visit: www.slvwd.com/prop218.

ABOUT THE SAN LORENZO VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is located in the mountains of northern Santa Cruz County. The District serves more than 7,900 metered connections. Established in 1941, the District supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Zayante, Quail Hollow, Scotts Valley, Whispering Pines, Manana Woods, and Felton. For more information, visit www.slvwd.com or follow the District on Facebook, Instagram, X and Nextdoor.

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