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City Council approves wastewater rate increase

July 16, 2003
Santa Paula City Council

New wastewater fees are flowing after increases approved by the City Council raised residential rates by almost $3 a month.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesNew wastewater fees are flowing after increases approved by the City Council raised residential rates by almost $3 a month.The council officially adopted the ordinance raising a variety of residential and business fees at the July 7th meeting.Santa Paula’s wastewater treatment plant was built in 1939 and for years has struggled to keep up more stringent state and federal mandates for treatment and discharge. The city has been working with Fillmore to create a regional wastewater treatment plant but the joint venture will cost millions, one reason for the increase in fees.Residential fees are up $2.94, from $16.36 to $19.30 per household.
Restaurant sewer service fees are charged per 100 cubic feet of water used, with the current $2.87 bumped to $3.39 with the minimum charge rising from $17.54 to $20.70.Industrial sewer fees - also charged per 100 cubic feet of water used, the $1.81 now at $2.41, a slightly lower rate than restaurants - had the minimum monthly charge increase from $17.54 to $20.70.Commercial and all other service fees rose to $1.81 from $1.53 per 100 cubic feet of water used and the minimum monthly charge increased from $17.54 to $20.70.New sewer connections and capital facilities fees for residential and nonresidential sewer capacity - not to exceed 252 gallons per day - were increased from $1,967 to $2,321.06.No fee increases were approved for city trash service, according to City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz already among the highest in Ventura County.