PWD Begins Prop 218 Rate Study Process, Will Hold Public Workshops Oct. 7 & 23 by Palmdale Water District Sep 20, 2024 Member Submitted News PALMDALE – The Palmdale Water District (PWD) Board of Directors voted 5-0 this week to authorize staff to begin the Proposition 218 process and schedule two workshops to give ratepayers the opportunity to learn about the proposed water rate changes for the next five years. The Board unanimously supports a plan that would increase revenue by 11% in 2025 and 2026, 9 % in 2027 and 2028, and 8% in 2029. The increases would allow PWD to meet all operations costs, fund $249.4 million worth of capital improvement projects and ensure reserves meet the targeted $39.4 million at the end of the five-year plan. Customers wanting more information about the Rate Study, including how the revenue adjustments were calculated and details about changes in fixed-charge monthly rates, are encouraged to attend a Zoom meeting from 5-6 p.m. on Oct. 7 or an in-person workshop from 5-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at PWD, 2029 East Avenue Q, Palmdale. To participate in the virtual meeting, use the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81332637220?pwd=VHj5308vLxCfL4Ifm75aAuQDyFXCYe.1, or call 1-669-444-9171 and use Meeting ID: 81332637220 and Passcode: 381108. “My fellow Board members and I highly encourage our constituents to attend one of the two workshops to better understand why it is necessary for us to make adjustments to our rates these next five years,” said Board President Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “It is our job to be transparent as we continue to provide high-quality water without interruptions. We want our customers to understand our plans for securing sufficient funds to ensure a reliable water supply, maintain our infrastructure, invest in future projects, and maintain an adequate reserve for emergencies.” The proposed rates for customers who have a one inch or smaller meter will see their fixed monthly cost in 2025 go up $6.32, from the current $54.43 to $60.75. The average single-family household in the PWD service area uses an average of 17 hcf (hundred cubic feet) of water. The bill for the average family using 17 hcf, based on the proposed increase, would be $80.02 per month, compared to the current $72.79. Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. (RDN), an economic consulting firm, provided the Board with revenue options after months of analyzing PWD’s financial data to determine water rates needed to maintain financial stability for the next five years. The consultants used five years of financial data including budgets and audits; five years of detailed billing and consumption records, five years of water production history; and future water source and demand projects. The Board of Directors will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 at PWD before voting for the proposed rates. Written public protests must be submitted to PWD before the end of the public hearing. The official Public Hearing Notice, which has the criteria for filing a formal protest, has been mailed to all property owners within PWD’s service boundaries. Both the notice and the Rate Study are available at PWD’s main office and on PWD’s website at www.palmdalewater.org. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. ###
