The landscape for water rate setting in California is quickly evolving, and public agencies face growing challenges adjusting to new and complex standards when establishing or increasing water fees and charges. For example,...more
Bill Would Have Created a Statewide Water Rate Assistance Program Under Which Local Water Suppliers Would Have Provided Assistance to Eligible Customers -
SB 222, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, was vetoed by California’s...more
Court of Appeal Strikes Down Minimum 3:1 Ratio Statute for Failure to Comply with Proposition 26 and Provides Guidance on Standard of Review -
The California Court of Appeal has ruled that a statute requiring local...more
SB 323 Signed Into Law and Effective Jan. 1 -
A challenge to new or increased California water or sewer rates must be brought within 120 days pursuant to Senate Bill 323, which was signed into law this week. SB 323 applies...more
Calif. Supreme Court Decision in Wilde v. City of Dunsmuir -
Local utility charges are not subject to referendum, according to a California Supreme Court decision issued Monday that held that water rates fall within the...more
Local agencies that provide water service may impose fees to recover the costs of providing water services. Unlike taxes, which require voter approval prior to adoption, water fees are approved by a local agency’s legislative...more
An assessment to fund flood control and drainage services imposed by a county reclamation district on a school district was upheld Friday by a California appellate court. The court found that the trial court erred in...more