2023 Rate Study & Prop 218 Process
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors approved an increase in rates to 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 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 Board of Directors voted on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, to move forward with a rate increase. A Proposition 218 notice was sent to customers in late December. The District held a community meeting to share information about the proposed rates on Saturday, January 20, 2024. The Board of Directors voted 4-1 on Thursday, February 15, 2024, to approve the rate increase. The new rates will go into effect in March 2024.
For additional information regarding the water rate restructuring and increase, please call the District at (831) 338-2153.