Property owners and current customers who received the Prop 218 notice in the mail may attend the public hearing on the proposed rates at the Los Angeles City Council meeting on August 27, 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

The public will be able to protest the increased rates at upcoming public hearing.

“The Sewer Service Charge is a rate included on the LADWP utility bill,” said Tonya Shelton, a public information director for the city of Los Angeles.

“The funds support maintenance and repair of the city’s aging sewer system and allows for construction of new infrastructure, the development and implementation of new technology in order to meet the service needs of all Angelenos.”

Sewer Service Charges are increasing its rates this coming Fall. The pandemic paused rates and have been undergoing public input. A return to increasing the rates is necessary to maintain the function of the city.

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“This proposed increase will ensure that the city can cover growing costs, safeguarding the reliability and resilience of our wastewater system.”

Property owners and current customers who received the Prop 218 notice in the mail may attend the public hearing on the proposed rates at the Los Angeles City Council meeting on August 27, 10 a.m., located at 200 N. Spring Street, in downtown Los Angeles.  The hearing will be held in the John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340, in City Hall.

“Anyone who wishes to protest the rates must do so in writing and it must be received by the City Clerk’s Office— by the end of the day of the public hearing,” said Shelton.

Shelton added that protests must be submitted in writing to be validated by the City Clerk. Oral, emailed, or other means of protesting the rates will be logged and considered, but will not be an official protest. The Office of the City Clerk’s Election Division is located at 555 Ramirez Street, LA 90012, Space 300.

She also shared that the city understands the public’s concerns and financial difficulties. The rate increase was carefully considered and is a necessary reality.

“The decision to reinstate the annual rate increase was not made in haste or without consideration of our ratepayers,” said Shelton.

“We operate the largest, separate wastewater collection system in the county—with 6,700 miles of sewers, 42 wastewater pumping stations and four water reclamation plants.

“We must ensure that this infrastructure represents resiliency, reliability, and innovation now and for generations to come.

“We appreciate your support and environmental stewardship.”

Visit www.ladwp.com/financialassistance to learn more about the EZ-SAVE and Level Pay programs. Visit www.lacitysan.org/rates for more information.