Residents Rally Against Proposed Water Rate Increase
Correction: This story was updated at 2:55 p.m. Nov. 3. A previous version of this story attributed the last quote from Brainard using the last name Huang. I also edited the story to clarify that Rick Bowen was a volunteer at Saturday’s event, not an organizer.
As La Verne prepares for a public hearing on proposed water rate increases, members of the La Verne Coalition of Concerned Citizens gathered Saturday in the parking lot of the new Trader Joe’s to collect signatures opposing the plan. The group parked an RV decorated with hand-painted signs and collected 287 protest letters, according to Rick Bowen, one of the volunteers at Saturday’s event.
One the organizers at Saturday’s gathering, La Verne resident Lily Brainard, has been actively posting on social media to encourage others to sign objection and protest letters. “I know a lot of people don’t really know about it.”
In September, the city mailed a Notice of Public Hearing—required under California’s Proposition 218—to notify property owners about proposed adjustments to water and sewer rates.
Brainard said she believes many residents will “really push back hard when they see their first bill (with the rate increase).” She added, “But it’s actually too late then, it’s difficult to change anything.”
La Verne resident Heather Morrison, who lives in the Fox Glen subdivision, brought her daughter to submit signed protest letters collected from neighbors. She said she believes it’s important for residents to know what’s going on. She would like to see the City give citizens an opportunity to vote on the proposed rate changes.
The Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee voted 3-2 at their July 30 meeting to recommend “Scenario 5” to the City Council (page 15 in the July 10 slides presentation). The scenario includes a $4 million loan from the sewer fund with reserve fund balances meeting targets FY 2026-FY 2030, loans repaid over three years from FY 2028-2030, and a positive cash flow 2027-2030. The proposed multi-year rate plan would raise rates 50 percent in January 2026 with an additional 25 percent increase at the start of FY 2027 on July 1, 2026.
Most households would see rates go up between 25-40 percent, with a 75 percent maximum increase, according to Kristie Sanchez, senior management analyst with the City’s Public Works Department.
The adjusted rate plan, which would take effect in January 2026 if approved, will be discussed at a public hearing during the Nov. 3 City Council meeting. The council may approve the plan as proposed, lower the increases, or delay implementation.
According to City Manager Ken Domer, the City is reviewing whether effective dates could be adjusted and expects to provide an update at the hearing.
The City’s first comprehensive water and sewer rate study, conducted by the independent consultant Raftelis this year, found that current rates no longer cover operating and capital costs. La Verne has not increased its water or sewer rates since 2019.
Brainard said she would like City Council to adopt one of the lower-rate scenarios discussed by the Ad Hoc Committee. “This is not really about party things,” she said. “Whatever party you belong to, you need to pay the bill the same.”
La Verne resident Linda Wilkinson, who owns multiple properties in the City, said the proposed increase would significantly impact landlords. “Eight to 10 percent I think is reasonable for a year, but don’t hit us right off with a 50 percent increase. It’s just too punitive. My personal opinion is we should consider other options,” she said.
Residents can calculate their projected bills using the City’s online Bill Calculator and review the full water and sewer rate study and frequently asked questions on the City’s website.
Without a rate increase, the City’s water fund will only be viable through June 30, 2026. “We could potentially squeeze through this fiscal year,” Domer said. “We have to do something.”
“I just hope people think about this one, it is all about their future,” Brainard said. “I just hope people get involved. It’s not about politics.”
Public Hearing
Proposition 218 public hearing regarding proposed water and sewer rate adjustments.
Regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
La Verne City Hall, Council Chambers
3660 D St., La Verne
Under Proposition 218, at least 4,770 written protests are required for the City Council to be prevented from approving the rate increases. Any property owner who receives water from the City and receives a water or sewer bill in their name can submit a letter. Protest letters must be signed and submitted by the property owner before the end of the public hearing Nov. 3 to be considered valid under Proposition 218. Renters who receive water bills in their name are also eligible to sign protest letters. Written objections are different from written protests. A written objection lets you keep the legal right to challenge the rates later. A written objection must specify reasons you believe the rates do not comply with Proposition 218
Learn more about the proposed rate increase in our previous story.
Staci Baird
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