Water Board Approves Release of New Rate Structure For Public Review

At their August 28 meeting, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) Board of Directors approved the release of a proposed three-year rate structure for LVMWD’s three operating areas that include potable water, wastewater treatment and recycled water distribution. The proposed revisions will be mailed to all District customers for their review during the first week of September and will be followed by a public hearing at a special board meeting on Monday, October 22.

“We are making every effort ensure that members of the community have multiple opportunities to learn about the proposal and to understand the costs behind providing reliable water and sewer service," said LVMWD General Manager John R. Mundy. "We are committed to transparency in this process.”

Prior to the October public hearing, special community workshops will be held at 7 p.m. at the following sites: Westlake Village City Hall Community Room September 19, El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills September 27 and at the Agoura Hills-Calabasas Community Center October 1.

The District will also host an interactive “Open House” for customers at its headquarters on Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, the District’s website will contain an interactive rate calculator allowing customers to compare their current water rates to those in the proposed structure.

“If there’s a single message I’d like customers to retain it is this – Las Virgenes is the lowest cost water service provider in the region and even if the new rate structure is adopted as proposed, we will still have the lowest rates of those found at surrounding agencies,” Mundy said.

Under the 2013 proposal, the average customer using 55 billing units (HCF) in a given two-month period would see an increase of $13.15 for water service, or $6.58 per month. However, if that same customer is a single-family low-water user during the December through March measurement period for sewer service, that residence would actually see a net reduction in their total service bill.

The rate proposal being sent to customers contains a thorough explanation of the proposed revisions. It includes the revised three-year package, cost illustrations, comparison charts and a FAQ section. In addition, the District’s website, www.LVMWD.com will also have the disclosure document and interactive elements for customer use