Taft authorizes consultant study to phase sewer and solid-waste rate increases

The Taft City Council on Jan. 20 authorized a professional-services agreement to conduct a sewer and solid-waste rate study, with staff emphasizing the study’s role in avoiding a single, large rate increase and ensuring enterprise funds are self-supporting.

City Manager Jones told the council the last fee study was done in 2021 and that pandemic-era inflation, deferred repairs and equipment replacement make a new independent study necessary. Staff recommended using a professional group experienced with Proposition 218 processes to model smaller, phased adjustments.

The agenda listed a professional-services agreement with "NBS"; during remarks staff also referred to "MBS" and "Government Finance Group." The council moved, seconded and approved the agreement on a 3–0 vote. Staff said the study will return to council as a study session before any public meetings or legal hearings are held to implement rate changes.

Council members supported the item as a necessary planning step to maintain water and sewer service reliability and to identify potential operational efficiencies that could reduce future rate pressure. "This is important because... we need to have a study to find out that we're in line for our rates that we charge," a council member said.

The motion passed by unanimous vote; staff will bring the study findings back to the council prior to any Proposition 218 proceedings or rate hearings.