Salinas to hold a public hearing over proposed sewer rate increase

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Salinas will hold a public hearing during this week's council meeting on the city's first sewer rate increases in over a decade. 

The increase was approved by council back in April, essentially tripling the residential rates from nearly $6 to over $16.

In addition to this, a 2% annual increase would also be applied until 2035.

The rate hike is meant to cover funding gaps needed for sewer system repairs, upgrades and future needs.

A study estimates it will cost nearly $115 million to make the necessary improvements over the next ten years.

A city report says more than 34,000 public hearing notices have been sent out to customers who would be impacted.

If a majority of rate payers -- or close to 16,000 -- provide written protests to the city clerk by the end of the public hearing, then the city cannot move forward with the rate increase.

Otherwise, the new rates will take effect October 1.

Salinas moves forward with sewer service payment assistance program

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - The city of Salinas is moving forward with establishing a sewer service payment assistance program.

This is after the council approved tripling the rates for most residential customers this year. 

Salinas has already set aside $150,000 for the program, which now goes to council for final approval.

Qualifying applicants would be provided with a one-time, annual payment totaling 15 percent of their cumulative charges for the fiscal year.

That is, regardless of whether they own or rent.

Income eligibility will be based on enrollment in PG&E's California Alternate Rates for Energy program.