Water rate workshop set Tuesday

As if Angels Camp’s Tuesday election and City Council meeting were not enough action for one day, the city also will hold a workshop on what could be called a $3.1 million government string.

In September, the city was tentatively awarded a grant from the State Water Resource Board of that amount from federal stimulus funds to improve its wastewater treatment plant.
  

The catch? Getting the money depends on the approval by ratepayers of a series of city rate increases beginning in June 2006.

Because the funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the stimulus package’s official title, the city must comply with Proposition 218, which requires voter approval for fees on many local government services.

And in July, a ruling by the California Supreme Court found the proposition applies to water and sewer services.

Thus, on Oct. 2, the city mailed out 1,800 notices to property owners and others who pay their water bills directly to the city.

To protest, a written statement with original signature and whether you are the owner or ratepayer must be submitted to the city. Only one protest per parcel is permitted.

Deadline for submission is Nov. 17, the date of a public hearing that will conclude the protest period. At the end of the meeting, all submissions will be tallied.

So far, it’s been smooth sailing. Just two protests have been received, while a majority is needed.

“It looks good,” said Mary Kelly, city clerk.

But the city is taking no chances. Besides, not just the grant but the prior rate increases hang in the balance.

“We’re holding the workshop to help people understand whether they understand this process or not,” she said.