Residents Invited To Attend Hearing On Water Rate Increase Proposal

NAPA, CA — City of Napa residents are invited to attend a public hearing on proposed water rate increases scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, the city reminded residents on social media today.

The meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. will be held at Napa City Hall located at 955 School Street.

Proposed water rate increases, should they be approved by city leaders, will help to pay for maintenance, including infrastructure Investments which include planned capital improvements and debt service on past capital improvements, the city said.

"A major focus of these investments is on aging infrastructure including major transmission lines, neighborhood distribution lines, and the Hennessey Treatment Plant and Reservoir," the city said. "Failure to make these investments leads to system failures, increased operating costs, and increased costs of future improvements."

According to the city, water rates, which are the primary funding source for the city's water system, have not increased over the past two years.

"No taxes are used," the city said, adding that current rates "do not bring in sufficient revenue" to cover the cost of running a stable and reliable water system.

The proposed rates, the city said, are necessary to cover the costs of investing in infrastructure, purchasing water supply, and operating the system.

During the public hearing, residents will have the chance to address Napa City Council —verbally or with written comments both for and against the proposed rate increases.

"Per the California Constitution (Prop 218), if written protests representing a majority of the parcels subject to the proposed water rates are received prior to the close of the hearing, the City may not implement the proposed water rates," the city said in a notice sent to all residences and businesses within city limits.

"Napa’s water rates remain some of the lowest in the area, even after the proposed increases," the city said.

To comment on the proposed rate increases in writing, download the notice, which includes a protest form here, or mail, P.O. Box 660, Napa, Ca, 94559 or hand deliver a letter of protest to the City Clerk at 955 School Street before the close of the public hearing on Nov. 7.