Calistoga council introduces water and sewer rate ordinances after public hearing; no majority protest

Calistoga’s City Council opened a Dec. 5 public hearing and, after hours of testimony, introduced ordinances for new water and wastewater rates that staff and consultants say are necessary to fund aging infrastructure and required capital projects.

Consultant Kevin Mann told the council the two-utility study recommends a combination of fixed‑charge recalibration and a two‑tier water use rate for single‑family residences. “So all in, an increase on the order of $37 per month in combined service,” Mann said, describing a typical single‑family customer impact of about $28.86 for water and $8.36 for wastewater.

Why it matters: City staff say the utilities face a multi‑year capital program and state mandates — including a replacement of a failing tower at Kimball Reservoir and relocation of the Pope Street pump station — that require stable revenue. Public Works Director Derek Rayner told the council those projects and others include mandated work the city cannot defer without risk of fines or safety hazards.

What residents said: Dozens of residents spoke in opposition. Michael Quast said the study lacked needed transparency about unit delivery costs and reserve projections and called the proposed increases “almost a gouge.” Dennis Lang and several others urged the council to use tourist tax (TOT) or other non‑rate revenue to offset bills for long‑term residents. Sheila Allen, a senior resident, said the higher bills threaten people on fixed incomes and criticized the distribution of costs across hotels, vineyards and households.

Legal and procedural points: City Attorney Megan Burke explained the protest process under state law and the ordinance timeline. The clerk reported that 601 written protests were submitted for water (out of 1,594 parcels) and 600 for wastewater (out of 1,368 parcels), short of a majority protest so the council may proceed. Burke also cited the legal precedent that allows tiered rates if they are supported by cost‑of‑service analysis.

Council action and next steps: Mayor Donald Williams moved — and Council member Eisenberg seconded — to introduce the water‑rate ordinance (title read and further reading waived). The motion passed on a roll call with Council members Eisenberg, Cooper, Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega and Mayor Williams voting aye; one council member was absent. The council then introduced the wastewater‑rate ordinance with a separate motion and roll call (same voting members in favor). Both ordinances are scheduled for a second reading and potential adoption at the Dec. 19 meeting; new bimonthly residential rates, if adopted, would begin March 1, 2024.

City staff emphasized assistance options: council members and staff repeatedly urged residents eligible for low‑income or other discounts to apply, and discussed a proposed program to target relief from the general fund for households in need. Staff also stressed that connection/impact fees paid by new development are intended to pay the share of capacity costs tied to growth.

The council closed the public hearing and adjourned after completing regular reports and future‑agenda items.