WATER RATE INCREASE PROPOSED 8% or 10% - 2PM Wednesday, August 3- Helix WD Regular Board Meeting

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Dear Friends,
Here is the link for the board package for our Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting:

AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 2PM
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427

Interesting items: 
Item 8. Water Rates (pdf page 49) - The board adopt Resolution 16-34 adjusting the schedule of rates for the fiscal year 2016-17 water service fees and amending Section 2.12-2(8) of the Helix Water District's Policies and Procedures Manual.
 
As stated in the report during a May 11, 2016 Water Rate Workshop the Board:
 
Instructed staff to calculate water service fee revenue for the fiscal year 2016-17 preliminary budget, assuming that customer water use would increase to a 15 percent conservation level in comparison to water usage in 2013, The board at that time also asked staff to provide an update later this summer regarding any change in customer water use through the typically warmer, drier months of May, June and July, as well as any changes in permanent water use regulations mandated by the state, This board report provides those updates, as well as a recommendation regarding adjustment to the rates for fiscal year 2016-17.
 
However, Staff brought back to this board meeting for FINAL APPROVAL Two Scenarios:  

Scenario 1 (As Board Suggested Consideration on May 11 Workshop)
Assumes that customer water use is 15% less than use in 2013. This reflects customer water use of 96.3 gallons per capita per day, an 8.1 percent increase from the current 89.1 GPCD. This results in a bimonthly bill for the district's average domestic water customer of $127.77, which represents an 8.3 percent or $9.84 increase from the current average bill of $117.93
 
Scenario 2 – STAFF Recommended
 Assumes that customer water use is 20% less than use in 2013. This scenario assumes customer water use of 91.0 gallons per capita per day, a 2.2 percent increase from the current 89.1 GPCD. This results in a bimonthly bill for the district's average domestic water customer of $129.84, which represents a 10.1 percent or $11.91 increase from the current average bill of $117.93. Staff recommends that the board adopt the rates that are developed under this scenario, since water use is cumulatively over the past year 21% less than 2013.

Scenario 1 - 8.3% increase vs. Scenario 2 - 10.1% increase

Please note this is less than the presumed 11.6% increase just a year ago based on average 26 units of water vs. now at 18 units of water a very different comparison…***

The facts:
1.Last year mandatory water use restrictions -  2 days per week.
2.This year mandatory water use restrictions – No Limits on Watering Days
3.Last 6 months average conservation 16%
4.Last year month of June conservation 25% & this year month of June conservation 21% - a 4% increase in use since restrictions were lifted compared to last year.
5.We can always increase the rates if needed (up to 11.6% if water use is less than expected on a later date), proposed rate of 11.6% was approved on October 7, 2015 in a 5 year plan.

***Original 218 Notice approved by the Board in a 3 YES by Muse, Verbeke, Linden vs 2 NO by Scalzitti, Hedberg on October 7, 2015 in a 5 year plan.

Please note billings after January 1, 2016 water rates effective on billings (water use after November 1 depending on billing cycle).
 
So what do you think - 8% or 10% water rate increase?

New Video on the Helix Water District website - Water What You Pay For Video  

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, P.E., M.P.H.
Director, Helix Water District Board
11263 Explorer Road
La Mesa, CA  91941
H619.660.7487
C619.994.6900
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.hwd.com
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
Thomas Paine Liberty Torchbearer Award Winner
 
Per the request of the Helix Water District Board on May 16, 2012, the following language is to be added by all Board Directors in all outgoing Director correspondence. "This correspondence, and any documents attached hereto, reflects the individual opinions and positions of the above-named Director and does not represent the opinions or positions of the District's Board of Directors or the District.  Pursuant to Section 9.1-11(A) of the Helix Water District Policies and Procedures Manual, individual Directors, except as otherwise authorized by the Board, shall have no power to act for the District or the District's Board of Directors."
 
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