A water rate increase is looming after City officials hear findings from Susanville’s Water Rate study.
Consultant Dan Burkman addressed the City Council, suggesting that the operating fund would go negative in 5 years by over 2 million dollars following inflation trends if the council takes no action. Burkman says a revenue increase of 7% over five years is necessary. However, it is expected to have a positive impact to single-family homes, yet multi-family and commercial customers will be shouldering that burden. Burkman says single-family homes take just over half of the volume of water demand but contribute 70% of the revenue. By allocating the rate increase away from single-family homes, there will be an equality of cost of service.
The next steps in the water rate process include a proposal of the recommended rate increase, followed by a 45-day commenting period, and an official public hearing on the changes by January. If approved, the increased rates could take effect just ahead of the 2024 summer season.
