What is the schedule for rate changes?

Raftelis Financial Consultants, Ventura Water’s rate planning consultant, updated the financial plan and established costs of service, which informed the recommended changes to VenturaWater’s rates. Over the Fall and Winter of 2020-21, the Water Commission reviewed the rate modifications based on the completed Cost of Service and Rate Design Study. Milestones ahead include:

  • City Council review │ Monday, March 22, 2021: the Water Commission presented recommended rate changes to City Council for review and approval.
  • Customer notification │ April 2021: Ventura Water notified customers of rate structure changes by mail.
  • Virtual community open houses │ Monday, April 19, 2021, and Wednesday, April 28,2021: Ventura Water held two virtual community open houses, during which the public was invited to learn more and ask questions about the proposed rate changes.
  • Public hearing │ Monday, May 17, 2021: a formal public hearing before City Council was held to finalize rate changes. The rate changes were unanimously approved by City Council.
  • Rate implementation │ July 1, 2021: the new rates will be in effect starting on July water bills.

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1. Why do water and wastewater rates need to change?
2. Why would rates change if we currently have enough water?
3. Would rates change if we did not need additional water supplies?
4. Has conservation helped to address water supply needs?
5. How does new development affect rates?
6. How will the revenue from our rates be used to improve our water and wastewater systems?
7. When was the last rate change?
8. How do Ventura's rates compare to other cities and water districts?
9. What influence does the VenturaWaterPure Project have on potential changes to the water rate structure and proposed rates?
10. Why can't water conservation be used in lieu of VenturWater Pure?
11. Which parts of our current rates were evaluated?
12. What is the process for determining rate changes?
13. What is the schedule for rate changes?
14. How often are rates evaluated and updated?
15. Who approves rate changes?
16. How do I know that the proposed rates are equitable?
17. How will the proposed rates impact my household bill?
18. What other changes can I expect?