Commission Discusses Raising Water Rates

The Glendora Water Commission reviewed water rate payment options for the next fiscal years, including a 6 to 12 percent rate increase during its Thursday meeting.

The increased rates would help cover a seven percent increase in water costs from the Municipal Water District where the city purchases water, including a three percent increase in energy costs.

The commission discussed a three to five year plan water rate plan for the city’s 13,105 customers. Under the three-year plan, customers could expect to pay larger fees in order to reach the city’s 20 million revenue goal faster.

A very conservative water customer who uses 30 units or less can expect a 6 percent rate increase in their bills, an average customer who uses 45 units of water can expect to pay 7 percent increase, while a heavy user using 60 units or more can pay up to 12 percent more.

“This is very reflective of the impact of the rates for conservation,” said consultant Pete Gautreau. “These revenue requirements won’t hit has hard to the customers that stay in the baseline consumption.”

Currently, the typical bi-monthly bill for a Glendora customer is about $132. Under a proposed three-year rate model, a 6 percent rate increase would add another $9 to the customer’s bill.

Over the past year, the commission has analyzed various water rate options, including a flat base or Readiness to Serve charge. However, according staff reports, research showed that a flat base charge placed too large of a cost burden on customers who used meters less than 1 inch.

Staff also looked at a two-tier water rate model that distributed costs in proportion to water resources as well as a cost of energy component. Based on historical data and average water usage, the model promotes water conservation, issuing larger fees to those consuming more water.

The commission was overall in favor of a three-year rate system.

“There are a little bit higher rates in the three-year option than the five-year option, but also in the flipside after the three years we’re there,” said Commissioner Neil Shockey.

However, Commissioner Dale Snoke preferred to spread the costs over a five-year span.

“I look at the five-year plan, on the consumer, as less of a hit,” said Snoke. “We all know it’s going to happen eventually, but this gives us more time to make adjustments.”

The city council last approved a water rate increase in 2009, when the rate increased to 13 percent to accommodate the Municipal Water District’s rising rates.

The Water Commission will make a recommendation on the proposed water rates at a public hearing Wednesday, June 15 at its next meeting at 6 p.m., 116 E. Foothill Blvd.