Oakdale council approves water rate increase after Prop 218 hearing; average bill about $3 per month higher

Oakdale’s City Council voted to approve a resolution adopting incremental water rate increases following a public hearing required by Proposition 218.

Staff told the council the city provides water to about 8,400 customers and presented a 10‑year financial plan prepared from a study by Tuckfield Associates. The study assumed modest customer growth, a range of cost escalators for salaries and utilities, and a capital improvement program that funds wells, pumps and about 75 miles of pipeline. Staff said mailed Prop 218 notices were sent to 9,139 property owners and the city received two written protests, so the measure was eligible for council consideration.

The study’s proposed changes include a modest rise in the fixed monthly service charge for the most common meter sizes (5/8–1 inch) from $15.69 to $16.11 in year one and a rise in the volumetric charge from $2.15 to $2.24 per 100 cubic feet. Staff said an average single‑family household using about 1,500 cubic feet monthly would see an estimated increase of roughly $3 per month in year one; higher users face larger dollar increases.

During the hearing residents asked about public notice and whether the city could add a blurb to water bills to advertise future Proposition 218 mailings. City staff said the Prop 218 mailing process follows specific rules separate from routine billing mailers, but the council can include a short notice in water bills to inform customers of upcoming hearings.

Council members discussed the need to maintain reserve targets and fund capital projects while balancing rate impacts on households. The measure passed in a recorded roll call vote, 4–1. The council member who voted no said she preferred delaying increases to evaluate expected new development revenue over the next few years; the majority said inflation and rising operating costs make modest increases necessary.

Wastewater rates were not part of this vote; staff said a separate Proposition 218 process will be held for wastewater and mailed notices will follow that schedule.

The council directed staff to post clear, plain‑language information about the adopted change on the city website and social media, including the estimated average dollar impact for households.