Fallbrook Public Utility District approves water rate increase

The Fallbrook Public Utility District Monday, Dec. 11, voted to increase water rates by 6.5 percent for the 2018 calendar year following a busy meeting where residents packed nearly every chair.

The board voted 4-1, with Director Milt Davies dissenting, to approve the rate increase. They also approved a schedule of maximum price increases over the next five years.

FPUD’s Acting General Manager, Jack Bebee, said that the board was only voting to increase rates for the 2018 year and that future rates for each subsequent year will also have to be voted on.

He said the rates listed within the board-approved schedule function as a cap. They represent the maximum rate increase the board can vote for without having to send another letter to the public.

In a letter sent out earlier this year, the board anticipated an 8 percent increase in water rates for 2018 based on the estimated cost of receiving water from the San Diego County Water Authority, but Bebee explained that using established water rates rather than estimated ones as well as implementing some cost saving measures allowed the district to propose the lower rate of 6.5 percent for this year.

About a dozen people spoke during the public comment session for the agenda item and all of them either expressed concern or opposition to the project.

To read the full story, see the Dec. 21 edition of Village News or visit http://www.villagenews.com.