Answers to questions about your water rates
Q: The City keeps increasing my wastewater rates, why?
A: Your sewage rates are up because the City has built a new Sewage treatment plant, the Ellis Creek Wastewater Recycling Facility. In repaying the debt, rates must gradually increase.
Q: Why did we need a new plant?
A: The old plant at Hopper Street was built around 1938, 72 years ago. During those 72 years, the City grew by over 49,000 people. The old plant was too small, in fact so inadequate that we were fined for improperly treated sewage released into the Petaluma River.
Q: Why did someone tell me the new plant is too elaborate?
A: A very small group led by Bryant Moynihan has said that. They fail to take into account the likely stricter rules in the future for sewage treatment levels and the reasonable population growth we can expect. Our State required General Plan anticipates an additional 15,000 people by 2025.
Q: Is the City doing anything to help us ratepayers?
A: For sewage, we’ll have to bite the bullet just like our forefathers did 72 years ago. The care put into the new plant will last us many, many years into the future.
Q: Well, I still think our sewage rate is much higher than it used to be.
A: You’re right about Petaluma’s low rates of years past. But, just as our nearby City neighbors have had to update their plants, now it’s our turn. However, you can be assured the City is on the right track. Rates for Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Windsor and Sonoma fall below our latest rates with Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg falling above. So even with the increases, we’re right in the middle.
Q: Someone told me there would be a chance to vote for a wastewater rollback in November. What will happen if I vote for the rollback?
A: Yes, you will have that choice, but it’s not without consequences. Here’s a short answer: Cost of the new plant was $125 million finance by a special State loan at 2.4%, which saved $60 million in interest expense. If you choose to vote “YES”, the City will be unable to make loan repayments, loose $60 million interest savings and have to refinance at a higher rate or have to dig elsewhere into the already tight City budget. The major components of City expense are police and fire protection followed by critical City employees, so it will mean big trouble and in the end, even higher rates.
Q: Are you saying that voting in favor of wastewater rate rollbacks to 2006 levels is an illusion?
A: Yes, illusion is the right word. A “YES” vote will trigger serious impacts on the City’s ability to meet its fiscal responsibilities and could potentially face bankruptcy.
Q: A friend who likes Shollenberger Park told me there was going to be some additional land for trails and wildlife conservation around the recycling facility. Is this true?
A: Yes, and the good news is the Open Space and Coastal Commission both made grants to help achieve this.
Q: I’m glad to hear that. Are there other benefits?
A: Yes, the treated water from the recycling facility will be used to replace water now taken from the City household supply. This will increase the household supply. The treated water will be used to water golf courses, parks, turf areas and agriculture. There are currently 62 sites targeted for recycled water.
Q: Thanks for answering my questions. I’m going to vote “NO”.
A: Absolutely, you’re making a wise and well-informed decision. Also there is nothing like a visit to see this facility in operation. Call 776-3730 to schedule a visit!
