‘We don't need another nail in the coffin': City of Bakersfield says it will rescind proposed sewer rate increase
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Bakersfield said they are rescinding the decision to increase the sewer and water usage rate.
Multiple Bakersfield residents attended the city council meeting on April 23 to comment on the sewer rate proposal, which would increase the rate up to 300% over the next five years.
The current sewer rate in Bakersfield is $239 per year, or $19.92 per month. The proposed rate calls for $950 per year, or $79.17 per month over the next five years.
Bakersfield sewer rates set to skyrocket over the next 5 years
According to the city, the money from this increase would be used to fix an old sewer plant off of East Planz Road. This change would affect around 165,000 people in Bakersfield.
'We already have a problem with housing,' a member of the public said during the public comment segment. 'We don't need another nail in the coffin.'
Before Mayor Karen Goh opened up public comments, Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg said the city will rescind Proposition 218.
Proposition 218 is a state law passed in 1996 that requires government entities to notify property owners of any property-related tax hike. The law also allows property owners to protest the hike to stop it.
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The city sent out the notice when the sewage and water usage rate proposals were approved.
'We are pausing and reevaluating the proposed rate and increase, and as vice mayor, I'd like to tell the public we hear you,' Bakersfield Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur said.
The city will formally rescind the notice in a vote at the next city council meeting set for May 14.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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