West Sacramento residents may see utility bills rise under new rates

West Sacramento property owners could pay higher water and sewer fees as city officials consider increasing rates over five years.

The Sacramento River flows into the George Kristoff Water Treatment Plant, which then delivers about 3.5 billion gallons of water to more than 55,000 West Sacramento customers under the city’s system. With the last rate hike in 2021, officials have not collected enough revenue to support repairs, replace infrastructure and offer an “adequate level of service,” according to a staff report.

On Wednesday, the West Sacramento City Council’s consent agenda — which includes multiple reports approved with a single vote and often without discussion — established a procedure for ratepayers or property owners to object to the fees. The city will inform the public about the fees online and allow 45 days to object, according to a resolution approved Wednesday.

West Sacramento city staff recommended a 45.6% “bill impact” over five years to the city’s Environment and Utilities Commission. This proposal offered the least impact on customers, but City Council has yet to approve a rate hike proposal. Ratepayers will also vote on the fee hike next year.

The calls for a rate hike comes as proposed infrastructure projects cost more than $93 million and $44 million for water and sewer utilities, respectively. Additional pressures on the utilities’ budget include approving a salary increase for union employees; establishing new positions; higher labor, material, energy and construction costs; and a rise in the employers’ contribution to the state’s retirement benefits, according to a staff report.

City officials’ recommended rate hikes could lead to $63 million and $36 million additional funding for water and sewer utilities, respectively.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the rate increase during their Dec. 3 meeting.