Benicia Water Bills Could Rise By 6.5%, Wastewater Bills By 3%

BENICIA, CA — Benicia residents could see their water and wastewater bills increase following a recommendation by city staff. City council would have to ultimately approve it.

On Aug. 11, 2021, staff at the City of Benicia publicly released their recommendations on the revised draft water and wastewater utility rate study. Of the four possible funding scenarios for each utility, staff is recommending city council select Water Scenario 3 and Wastewater Scenario 3 and is further recommending that Council consider a public hearing date in November.

According to the city, both Water and Wastewater Scenario 3 include fully funding operations and
maintenance activities, saving appropriate amounts for reserves, while presenting a focused, critical list of capital improvement projects.

If adopted, water bills could increase approximately 6.5 percent each year for the next five years.
Similarly, if adopted, wastewater bills could increase 3 percent each year over the same period, according to the city.

Benicia’s water and wastewater infrastructure includes over 300 miles of pipe, four reservoirs, five pump stations, 23 lift stations, and two treatment plants.

The city said much of the infrastructure is at or nearing the end of its useful life. The 2020
condition assessments recommend the city invest over $300 million in its water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 20 years. Scenario 3 allows the city to phase in the replacement projects over the 20-year time period.

“While Water and Wastewater Scenario 1 represents full funding of the condition assessments,
staff is recommending Scenario 3 as a more affordable way to begin work on delayed infrastructure projects,” said Kyle Ochenduszko, Deputy Public Works Director.

Last year, the City of Benicia began working with Bartle Wells Associates, independent public finance advisors, to develop a draft water and wastewater utility rate study. A public study session, with city council members in attendance, was held on July 27, 2021 to explain the draft rate study and receive public comments. After receiving input from the public and city council members, staff and city consultants drafted a Revised Draft Water and Wastewater Rate Study.

Comments on the revised draft utility rate study and staff’s recommendation are
requested now.

“It’s not too late to participate,” said William Tarbox, the city’s Public Works Director. Submit written comments to the city clerk at lwolfe@ci.benicia.ca.gov.

Comments can also be submitted “in person” at the next city council meeting on Aug. 17, 2021, where the city council will hold a public meeting to discuss the revised draft rate study and provide direction to staff.

For more information, contact: Deputy Public Works Director Kyle Ochenduszko
at 707-746-4240 or pw@ci.benicia.ca.us