The proposed rate increases include a 34% increase on water rates and an over $700 jump annually for sewer rates.
- Bakersfield City Council approves Prop 218 notices for proposed water and sewer rate increases.
- Water rates could increase by 34% for fiscal year 2026, with smaller increases in subsequent years.
- Sewer rates may rise from $239 to $950 annually, marking the first rate hike since 2006.
- The public comment period is open for residents to express their opinions on the proposed changes, however residents will receive notices in the mail in the coming weeks.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
As we barrel towards summer, the city of Bakersfield is looking at raising water and sewer rates to manage new requirements tacked on to the water department. I’m Sam Hoyle, your neighborhood reporter, though those rate increases aren’t set in stone quite yet as the public comment period is already open.
The water department is proposing a 34% increase for the fiscal year 2026, 6% for the following two years, and 2.5% for 2029 and 30. The proposed annual sewer rate is a starker jump, going from 239 per year for most residents to $950 a year…