Proposition 218

Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increases

Under Proposition 218, the City of Sanger is required to hold a protest hearing for certain property-related fees, assessments, and charges prior to creation or increase. The City mailed notices of the proposed water and sewer rate increases to all customers. The City will be holding a formal public hearing at City Hall on Thursday June 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., prior to any rate increase taking effect.

A list of frequently asked questions has been included below. Direct questions about the proposed rate proceeding can be sent to Rebeca (Becky) Padron, City Clerk, at (559) 876-6300 x 1350 or by email at bpadron@ci.sanger.ca.us.

Water and Sewer Documents

English - Notice regarding Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increases for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2027-28

Spanish - Aviso de Propuesta de aumento de las tarifas de agua y alcantarillado años fiscal 2023-24 a 2027-28

Water and Sewer Rate Study (April 6, 2023)

Link to the City of Sanger Agenda Center click Here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Proposition 218?

Proposition 218, or the “Right to Vote on Taxes Act”, was approved by California state voters in November 1996. The Act amended the California constitution to require local governments to follow certain procedures when they impose fees for certain kinds of services in order to ensure that they are subject to voter approval. Prop 218 is a tool designed to provide greater public involvement in the rate-setting process.

Q: How can I protest the proposed rate adjustments?

You may mail or hand deliver a signed protest form to the City Clerk’s Office, 1700 7^th Street, Sanger, CA 93657. A protest must be in writing and received no later than 4:00 pm on the date of the hearing or, if presented at the hearing itself, before the close of the public hearing on June 15, 2023.

Q: What needs to be included in my protest?

State that the identified record owner or tenant who is a customer-of-record of the parcel is in protest against the proposed increases, identify which utility (i.e. water, sewer, or both) is protested;
Provide the location of the identified parcel (by street address or assessor’s parcel number (APN);
Include the printed name and original, wet signature of the record owner or tenant who is a customer-of-record submitting the protest;
Date the protest was signed.

Q: How can I support or vote “yes” on the proposed rate adjustments?

If you do not wish to oppose the proposed rate increases, no action is necessary. By not submitting a protest form, you are showing your support for the rate increases. You may also attend the public hearing on June 15, 2023 to voice your support.

Q: When will a decision be made?

The City Council will decide on the proposed rate increases after hearing from the public. The new water and sewer rate charges will be approved by a Resolution if the Council votes in favor of them. The Resolution will apply to all customers starting from the next full billing cycle after approval.

Q: Can I call, email, or fax in my protest vote?

No, Proposition 218 requires a written protest with a signature.

Q: How can I learn more about the proposed rate adjustments?

The water and sewer rate study details that proposes the rate increases can be found in the Water and Sewer Rate Study.

Q: How many protest or “no” votes are required to stop the proposed rate adjustments from taking effect?

Proposition 218 requires a simple majority of 50 percent of the parcel owners, plus one.

Q: Why are we proposing to increase the rates by these amounts?

For water, the primary reason for the needed overall revenue increase is to purchase surface water to inject into the ground to preserve the City’s groundwater supply, pursuant to the Sustainable Ground Water Management Act. For sewer, the overall revenue increase is needed primarily to cover ongoing inflation. For both water and sewer, cost-of-service adjustments have been made for more fairness across customer classes, which are focused on industrial customers. Details of the rate changes for both water and sewer can be found in the water and sewer rate study report. Revenue from the modified rates and charges will not be more than the funds required for the City to provide adequate service. Specifically, the proposed rates do not exceed the proportional cost of providing each service.

Q: When was the last time we raised the water and sewer rates?

Sanger’s existing water rates were approved by Resolution No. 3761, on July 7, 2005. Pursuant to the Resolution, those rates were increased each year through FY10/11 according to the Consumer Price Index. The result is that the existing rates have been in place for over 12 years without any further increases or modifications.

Q: When will the proposed rate increases take effect?

If adopted, the Resolution with the new water and sewer rate charges will go into effect for all customers on the next full billing cycle after approval.

Q: What are the consequences of the proposed rate increases are voted down?

Without these rate increases, both water and sewer funds would lack funding to maintain the current level of water and sewer services.