Memorandum
Date: June 18, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Scott Harter, Special Districts Administrator
Jesus Salmeron, Special Districts Deputy Administrator - Fiscal
Subject: Presentation considering Water and Sewer Rate Study for Kelseyville County Waterworks District #3, Sewer Rate Study for LACOSAN- NW Regional, and Water Rate Study for CSA #2 Spring Valley
Executive Summary:
On July 10th, 2023 Lake County Special Districts entered into an agreement with Lechowicz & Tseng Municipal Consultants for Utilities Rate Studies. The rate studies were conducted for Water and Sewer Rates for Kelseyville County Waterworks District #3, Sewer Rates for LACOSAN- NW Regional, and Water Rates for CSA #2 Spring Valley.
The studies developed the districts rates via the Proposition 218 process. The implementation of utility rates in California is governed by the substantive and procedural requirements of Proposition 218 the “Right to Vote on Taxes Act” which is codified as Articles XIIIC and XIIID of the California Constitution. The District must follow the procedural requirements of Proposition 218 for all utility rate increases.
A noticing requirement is required to be mailed to all affected property owners followed by a public hearing not less than 45 days after the required notices are mailed. The rate increases are subject to majority protest, if more than 50% of affected property owners or ratepayers submit written protests against the proposed rate increases, the increases cannot be adopted.
Lake County Special Districts with Lechowicz & Tseng Municipal Consultants will present the results of the rate studies, the proposed new rates and address any potential concerns from the board. Special Districts will be looking to establish direction from the Board then proceed with the required mailing notices.
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Recommended Action:
Receive Presentation considering Water and Sewer Rate Study for Kelseyville County Waterworks District #3, Sewer Rate Study for LACOSAN- NW Regional, and Water Rate Study for CSA #2 Spring Valley