Hanford council adopts sewer rate increase to fund $59M plant upgrade and pipeline repairs
September 01, 2026 | Hanford, Kings County, California
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After a lengthy public hearing and technical briefing, the Hanford City Council voted 5‑0 to adopt Resolution 26‑61‑R on Sept. 1, approving a multi‑year sewer rate plan that raises the typical single‑family monthly bill to $39 starting Sept. 2, 2026.
Utilities Engineering Director Frank Centeno told the council the wastewater enterprise processes about 2 billion gallons a year and maintains more than 200 miles of pipeline and 24 lift stations. The council reviewed a $59 million upgrade awarded to Aptera that replaces an aging trickling‑filter portion of the plant with a new oxidation ditch and clarifiers, and includes six energy conservation measures. Centeno said the plant currently consumes roughly $780,000 of electricity annually and the upgrade plus solar is expected to realize operational savings while adding debt service to be covered by rates.
Consultant Lisonbee Lehi and staff explained the proposed five‑year capital improvement program (CIP) and a new recurring pipeline and lift‑station maintenance program. Lehi said the master plan increased projected capital needs from $7M (prior study) to about $25M for the new plan. Lehi described pipeline video inspections and a strategy to rehabilitate or replace the worst segments.
During public comment, residents urged caution about sharp year‑to‑year increases and noted impacts on people on fixed incomes. Council discussed alternatives and financing timing; staff said back‑loading to smooth increases would add roughly $8 million in interest. The clerk reported 42 written protests were received — far short of a majority of affected parcels — so the council could adopt the rates under Prop 218. Councilmember Payton moved and council approved the resolution 5‑0.
The council also adopted formation of a financing JPA to enable revenue bond issuance for the project (Resolution 26‑58‑R). Staff will return with detailed implementation and scheduling for CIP projects and financing.
Utilities Engineering Director Frank Centeno told the council the wastewater enterprise processes about 2 billion gallons a year and maintains more than 200 miles of pipeline and 24 lift stations. The council reviewed a $59 million upgrade awarded to Aptera that replaces an aging trickling‑filter portion of the plant with a new oxidation ditch and clarifiers, and includes six energy conservation measures. Centeno said the plant currently consumes roughly $780,000 of electricity annually and the upgrade plus solar is expected to realize operational savings while adding debt service to be covered by rates.
Consultant Lisonbee Lehi and staff explained the proposed five‑year capital improvement program (CIP) and a new recurring pipeline and lift‑station maintenance program. Lehi said the master plan increased projected capital needs from $7M (prior study) to about $25M for the new plan. Lehi described pipeline video inspections and a strategy to rehabilitate or replace the worst segments.
During public comment, residents urged caution about sharp year‑to‑year increases and noted impacts on people on fixed incomes. Council discussed alternatives and financing timing; staff said back‑loading to smooth increases would add roughly $8 million in interest. The clerk reported 42 written protests were received — far short of a majority of affected parcels — so the council could adopt the rates under Prop 218. Councilmember Payton moved and council approved the resolution 5‑0.
The council also adopted formation of a financing JPA to enable revenue bond issuance for the project (Resolution 26‑58‑R). Staff will return with detailed implementation and scheduling for CIP projects and financing.
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