Clearlake council backs staff joining PUC proceeding as Golden State seeks $6.3 million in capital work

Clearlake — On Nov. 2 the Clearlake City Council heard Golden State Water Company representatives explain why the company is seeking roughly $6,275,900 in capital improvements and urged the city to support a consolidation with a larger northern service area to blunt large local rate increases.

Paul Schubert, introduced by Golden State staff as the company’s northern area general manager, told the council, “so 6,275,900 is what we’re asking for.” He described the request as funding for water supply projects, main replacements, treatment‑plant upgrades and meters and services. Schubert also described a proposed change in the commercial private fire connection fee, saying, “it’s going from $6.50 per diameter inch to $8 per diameter inch.”

The request came during a hearing on Golden State Water Company’s application (23‑08‑010). Company representatives and staff discussed the system’s recent capital spending, noting earlier rate‑case capital approvals that the company said it later exceeded. Golden State said consolidation of Clear Lake with a larger consolidated district would spread capital costs across many more customers and lessen the immediate rate impact on Clearlake customers.

Why it matters: Council members said the city’s water rates are already high and many residents could face steep increases if the company’s request proceeds without consolidation. Several councilors pressed Golden State on older hydrant‑flow data and on public‑advocate criticism that earlier planned projects were not completed; Golden State said mains and hydrants are being replaced and that project lists are sometimes adjusted to match paving schedules and community priorities.

Public voices and county input: Members of the public urged the council to write to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in support of consolidation. Bruno Sabatier, who identified himself as a county supervisor, said rate fights at the PUC are difficult and urged the city to consider a supportive approach while preserving oversight: “I am not a fan of Golden State’s philosophy or their privatized water tactics, but we do have a good manager here that does care for the community,” he said.

Council action: Councilors expressed general support for consolidation as a way to avoid large near‑term increases and for the city’s active participation in the PUC process. The council directed staff to submit a letter supporting the consolidation and to formally join the PUC proceeding so Clearlake can monitor filings and receive materials in the case.

What’s next: Staff said they will prepare a letter and take the steps needed to participate in the PUC proceeding if the council confirms the direction. The council did not take a formal roll‑call vote on the consolidation itself at the meeting; the matter will proceed at the PUC and in subsequent filings.

Provenance:
Topic intro excerpt: "Moving on to item H, business number 8, discussion and possible action related to the proposal request for a rate increase by Golden State Water Company, application 23Dash08Dash010." (SEG 310)

Topic finish excerpt: "All right, moving on to item H9, discussion and consideration of adoption of employee home loan assistance program." (SEG 1003)