Sewer rates rising 6% in Sonoma Valley?

An annual proposed average increase of $6.33 per month is coming to rate payers served by the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District if approved, resulting in a 6% increase.

In their recent report and notice to ratepayers, the district notes that “as water quality regulations become more stringent, operational and capital costs of compliance increase.” Ratepayers can protest the rate increase leading up to the hearing date of May 16, 2024.

The total budget expenditure for operating the district plant is $21.51 million.

At the same time, the district announced a Rate Relief Program available to low income home-owners and non-profit organizations that provide housing to low income renters. The discounts can reduce the cost by half. Applications for the program will begin on May22, and are due no later than July 10, 2024. Applications and information can be found at www.SonomaWater.org/SRRP.