Contact: Remleh Scherzinger MBA, P.E., CSDM, General Manager
(831) 883-5938 or customerservice@mcwd.org
Summary of Proposed New Water, Sewer, and Recycled Water Rates
Proposed new water, sewer, and recycled water rates. Over the past several months, the Marina Coast Water District (District) has evaluated its operational and facility requirements for the next five years. We had three primary objectives: ensure that our rates remain fair for all customer classes, fund critical facility improvements, and generate sufficient revenue to fund continued high-quality service for all customers.
After reviewing detailed financial and engineering plans and holding seven public meetings, the Board has unanimously directed staff to move forward with the rate-setting process. This includes mailing a notice to property owners of the proposed new Five-Year Water, Wastewater, and Recycled Water Rates and setting a public hearing on June 17, 2024, to decide on the rates.
The proposed rate adjustments are designed to support about $45 million in investment in water, sewer, and recycled water facilities over the next five years. This investment is needed to renew and replace critical facilities necessary to provide quality and reliable service to customers. The proposed rates will also fund ever-increasing water and sewer operational and maintenance costs, including engineering, operations, pumping, treatment repairs, and regulatory compliance replacements.
Fair Rates that Fund Quality Service for Customers. The impact of the rate adjustments in the first year will vary among customers, depending on the customer class (Single Family, Multifamily, and Nonresidential), meter size, and water usage behavior. The variations are a result of structural changes to the rates, which were calculated based on a detailed analysis to ensure each customer pays their share of costs. The new rates are planned to take effect on July 1, 2024.
By providing adequate revenue, the proposed rates will ensure that the District can continue to provide quality service in the coming years.
Steps taken to increase efficiency and lower costs before considering rate changes. In the face of constantly rising operational and administrative costs, MCWD takes ongoing action to keep costs down. For example:
- The District obtained about $9.9 million in grants in the last 5 years.
- Staff completed large facility projects in-house, saving time and money from outsourcing.
- Staff optimized water pump station operations to ensure the District does most pumping during the lowest-cost PG&E hours.
- Staff are cross-trained to perform water, sewer, and recycled water distribution, sewer collections, pumps, and mechanical functions, reducing the number of workers needed and allowing for quicker responses.
- Continued decrease in overtime cost without affecting the quality of service, and improved management of reserves to increase interest earnings.
Sample Bills. The examples below are for demonstration purposes only and are calculated based on typical water users in a single-family home. Individual customers will pay more or less depending on their usage. The District is also adjusting rates for Water Shortage Surcharges and Private Fire Meter Charges, and those rates are available in the Rate Study available on the District's website.
Ord Water: a typical single-family homeowner may see a $14.83 per month increase. The average percentage revenue increase is 8% per year over five years.
Ord Sewer: a typical single-family homeowner may see a $2.50 per month increase. The average percentage revenue increase is 4% per year over five years.
Marina Water: a typical single-family homeowner may see a $17.34 per month increase. The average percentage revenue increase is 15% per year over five years.
Marina Sewer: a typical single-family homeowner may see a $0.72 per month increase. The percentage increases over the five years is 13% per year over five years.
Please Contact Us with Questions or Comments.
Address the Board: Attend the public hearing on Monday, June 17th at 6:00 PM, Marina Coast Water District Boardroom, 920 2nd Avenue, Suite A, Marina, California.
Phone: (831) 384-6131
Email: customerservice@mcwd.org.
Mail or In-Person: 11 Reservation Rd, Marina, 93933
Si usted necesita ayuda en espanol con esta noticia, por favor llame al (831) 384-6131.