The city of Gilroy is once again asking for more of our hard-earned money. This time the facade is repair and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. Could it just be a prime opportunity to ask for more money since residents are using less, water that is?
Water conservation has put a damper, pun intended, on money received for these services. Perhaps the reason is because a court ruling in southern California, as Chris Foy informs us in his July 24 Dispatch article, “Higher Water Rates Ahead for Residents,” resulted in cities having to revise their tiered pricing schedules. Chris also notes that Gilroyans will pay less than neighboring communities. But does that matter when rates will rise over 60-70 percent?
This won’t happen all at once. Increases will be implemented over a 5-year period. It will be less noticeable to those who don’t analyze their monthly statement. The increases of 20 percent will occur in September and in July 2016. When the 10 percent increases appear in 2017, 2018, and 2019, your bill will already be 40 percent higher. Rate increases for wastewater will also be implemented during these time periods.
It’s worth noting that at the July 1 city council meeting, when many of us were vacationing or preparing for the 4th of July celebration, all but two Gilroy council members voted to propose the increase. The reasons given to establish maximum rates would:
· Fund current and projected increases in the costs of operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems
· Fund utility repair, replacement and upgrade costs
· Comply with state and federal regulatory requirements
If these are truly necessary, why was this not addressed before? Why is it only coming up during a drought? What happens if we get the predicted rains, conservation ends and money returns to the city for these services? Would fiscal sustainability just take care of itself?
There is one solution to this. I contacted the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association about proposition 218 and learned that the California Constitution allows a “majority protest” to oppose these water rate hikes because this increase is considered a “property related fee.”
That also means not only homeowners, but tenants paying for water service can also protest. This information is stated on the two letters mailed from the city regarding the proposed rate increase in water and wastewater service rates. One letter would have been mailed separately and one would have come with the water bill. Dig it out from the trash or look through the paperwork of unpaid bills. Many of us never read this kind of mail, but in this particular case, it can save you hundreds of dollars. When you find this letter, be sure to turn it over. It is on the back where you will see “PUBLIC HEARING AND PROTEST PROCEDURES.”
You must follow the specific requirements for your opposition letter to be valid. It is not difficult and I will make it even easier for you. A majority protest translates to 6,756 letters because there are 13,509 parcels in Gilroy. It may seem like a lot, but this is all it takes to stop the increase.
There is no vote or further discussion if this many letters are received. Talk about this to everyone you see at church, grocery store, daycare, library, gym, school and restaurants. We have until Aug. 17.
Below are two letters that you can print, make copies for friends, neighbors, relatives, email or post on Facebook. Original signature is required. Then mail or take the letter(s) to: Gilroy City Clerk, 7351 Rosanna St., Gilroy 95020—orcontact me, and I’ll be happy to deliver the forms to the public hearing at Gilroy City Hall on Monday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m. Join us there. Bring lots of letters and make your voices heard.
Susan Mister as been retired from county employment for nine years, has lived in Gilroy with her husband, “Mr. Mr.” for 22 years and as a concerned citizen wants to leave her Gilroy grandchildren the vibrant, prosperous town she has enjoyed. She can be reached at mr********@ea*******.net.
