Bakersfield holding hearing over proposed rate increases
On its website, the City of Bakersfield is giving notice of a public hearing to be held on June 3 to inform and listen to testimony concerning proposition 218, a proposed increase in refuse and sewer rates.
Residents and businesses are provided refuse service as well as sewage service through Bakersfield for the general welfare of the community. Each of these services is required to be financially self-sufficient. Monies to pay for them does not come from the Bakersfield’s general fund, but is paid for by those who use the services.
The proposed increase in sewage rates per household would amount to $5 per year. Businesses and public institutions are charged a surcharge in addition to a flat rate, which varies with the type of establishment. A surcharge is based on water consumption from the prior year that is above the flat rate established for that type of enterprise.
The increases for refuse collection will be 4.8% for both residential and commercial enterprises. For single family residences, this means an increase from $181.32 to $190.02 per year. The commercial rates will continue to vary by type of enterprise, type of refuse, and number of collections required per week.
Rate increases such as the ones proposed for sewer and refuse service in Bakersfield are less likely to cause backlash if brochure printers are employed to lay the facts in front of the public.
Residents and businesses are provided refuse service as well as sewage service through Bakersfield for the general welfare of the community. Each of these services is required to be financially self-sufficient. Monies to pay for them does not come from the Bakersfield’s general fund, but is paid for by those who use the services.
The proposed increase in sewage rates per household would amount to $5 per year. Businesses and public institutions are charged a surcharge in addition to a flat rate, which varies with the type of establishment. A surcharge is based on water consumption from the prior year that is above the flat rate established for that type of enterprise.
The increases for refuse collection will be 4.8% for both residential and commercial enterprises. For single family residences, this means an increase from $181.32 to $190.02 per year. The commercial rates will continue to vary by type of enterprise, type of refuse, and number of collections required per week.
Rate increases such as the ones proposed for sewer and refuse service in Bakersfield are less likely to cause backlash if brochure printers are employed to lay the facts in front of the public.