Pacifica Sewer Rates to Rise Again

Next Monday night's Pacifica city council meeting agenda has the beginning of the process to once again raise Pacifica residents' sewer rates.

Pacifica's sewer charge, which appears on property owner's property tax bills as a line item, has risen 119 percent since fiscal year 2002-03.

Presently, residents currently pay $10.28 per 100 cubic feet of water, and the new proposed rate of $10.63 per 100 c.f. represents a 3.4 percent increase. Also increasing by 3.4 percent is the minimum charge for sewer usage; from the present $493.54 to $510.34.

The sewer charge is a property-related fee, as defined under Proposition 218, and the city will be sending out notices that should have a clearly defined method of protest that property owners may use if they so desire. If a majority of property owners protest, the rate increase cannot be implemented.

 The sewer rate increase proposal comes at an awkward time for the city, as a mail ballot for a Fire Suppression Assessment went out on February 24. The city is asking property owners to agree to a seven year long annual assessment ranging from $73.17 for single family residences to thousands of dollars for large apartment building owners.

The ballots will be tabulated at a public hearing on April 11, with the largest dollar amount on the "yes" or "no" sides determining the outcome.

Voters will also face a decision on a parcel tax for the Jefferson Union High School District and a potential statewide vote on extending the tax increases of the Schwarzenegger era.