Amid widespread public opposition, Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg has recommended rescinding the Proposition 218 process tied to the proposed sewer rate increase, which would have raised annual fees from $239 to $950 starting July 1.
According to the City, the rate increase was needed to fund critical upgrades to Bakersfield’s aging wastewater system, including a nearly 70-year-old treatment plant, to avoid costly emergency repairs and potential system failures.
“The sewer rate pays to convey and treat wastewater for both residential and commercial parcel owners. This includes covering the costs to operate and maintain the system, as well as capital improvement projects to it, such as major upgrades to facilities,” stated Joe Conroy, the City of Bakersfield’s Public Information Officer.
Conroy stated the rate change proposed by staff was approved by the City Water Board and was arrived at after determining the costs of ongoing operation, maintenance, and the needed future cost of replacing Wastewater Treatment Plan 2, which is nearly 70 years old. These costs are estimated at between $500 million and $600 million.
Residents immediately began questioning the City’s decision, leaving hundreds of comments on the City’s Facebook page to express their frustration. They questioned the City’s decision on the proposed rate, and even questioned why critical care was not taken care of until the system had gotten bad.
“We can’t afford that! We are struggling out here, barely surviving now, and you think now is a good time to do this,” Nicole Hicks commented on the City’s Facebook page.
“This is ridiculous and a huge punch in the wallet. Sudden increases like this stink of gross mismanagement of the existing system. There is no way this issue wasn’t known years ago and steps could have been implemented to gradually increase rates to accommodate needed upgrades,” commented Todd Farnholtz.
Residents can voice their opposition to the proposed sewer rate increase by submitting a written protest before the public hearing on May 28, 2025. Protests must include the parcel number, property address, and the owner’s name and signature.
The written protests must be delivered in writing to the City Clerk at 1600 Truxton Avenue before the conclusion of the public hearing on May 28.
“If the City receives written protests from 50% plus one of all parcel owners, the proposal will not be presented to the City Council for a vote. The format and process for submitting a written protest are outlined on the Prop 218 notices sent to all parcel owners. Protests must be submitted in that format or they will not be considered valid. That is also outlined on the City’s FAQ about the proposal, which is available on our website,” said Conroy.
If the majority protest threshold isn’t met, the City Council will decide on the proposed rate change during a public hearing scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on May 28. While the Council can adjust the final rate, it cannot approve an amount higher than what was initially proposed to the public.
When asked if the City took any alternate funding routes to address aging infrastructure, Conroy stated, “Four options were presented to the Water Board on March 12, 2025, two of the options provided for bonding construction costs. The Water Board unanimously voted to send the currently proposed option to the City Council for consideration and public notice in accordance with Prop 218. Grant opportunities are evaluated on an ongoing basis. The grant application process typically requires a project to be fully designed before it is eligible. Since grant funding is unknown, modeling any potential cost offset at this time is not a viable approach.”
During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, some residents took the stand during the public comment portion to express their opposition to the proposed rate increase.
“We understand that the upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant are necessary and that the system is outdated and investments need to be made, but how we fund these improvements matters just as much as how we need them,” said Jacqueline Aguilar, President of the Kern County Young Democrat Leaders. “A 300% increase in sewer rates isn’t just a financial adjustment for working families, for young people trying to stay in the city, for seniors on fixed income. This is a crisis. It adds to the already rising cost of living and puts a real strain on individuals who are just trying to get by.”
Aguilar went on to comment that the process of protesting the proposal is both confusing and inaccessible.
“The City must do a better job in making this process transparent and easy to navigate,” stated Aguilar.
The City Council is scheduled to formally rescind the notice during its next meeting on May 14.
