The City of Fillmore, like other cities in California, is grappling with the new water restrictions out of Sacramento. A fine for wasting water was approved at the May 12, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting. The meeting also contained a proposed 2015-2016 Budget and approval of four Active Adult Commissioners.

On May 6, 2015, California's state water board approved emergency drought regulations that aim to reduce water usage throughout the state. The new restrictions range from 8% to 36%, depending on the city's or water district's use, to meet an overall 25% reduction statewide. Cities or water districts that do not comply with the new state orders could receive fines as high as $10,000.

Sacramento uses a tiered system to determine a city's or water district's water use. The three highest tiers 7, 8 and 9 and are required to save the most water at 28% to 36%. Fillmore is considered a tier 7 city and thus is required to cut back water use by 28% over the next nine months.

The City's restrictions include prohibiting irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water; directing water suppliers (the City of Fillmore) to develop rate structures, including surcharges, fees, and penalties to maximize water conservation.

Other requirements include the City permanently provide monthly information on water usage, conservation and enforcement; impose restriction requiring reductions in potable water use at commercial, industrial and institutional properties and prohibiting potable water used for irrigation outside of new home construction without drip or micro spray.

Restrictions that everyone must abide by are; not allowing potable water drain or spray on sidewalks, driveways and streets; no use of potable water in fountains that do not recycle; hoses require shut off nozzles when washing a vehicle; not using potable water on landscape within 48 hours after measurable rain; no water served at restaurants without being requested.

The Council, on the recommendations of the City Manager, approved Fillmore residents can only water their lawns between 4:00 p.m. thru 9:00 a.m. two days a week (Mondays and Thursdays) with a time limit on sprinkler systems of 10 to 15 minutes per watering day per section depending on the system used (low flow drip and micro mist irrigation is exempt if less than 14 gallons per hour). Swimming pools and spas must be covered when not in use and cannot be drained or refilled by more than 1/3 unless authorized by the City. Residents or businesses found not in compliance can be fined $250 or more.

The City is working on a cost estimate for extending reclaimed/recycled waterlines to both Shiells and Delores Day Parks. It would be a very expensive project and must be worked into the budget if considered. Presently the parks are irrigated three days a week, which will be brought down to two days.

The landscaped medians in town not using reclaimed water will be replanted with drought tolerant plants or decorative concrete. Any watering for dust control will require the use of reclaimed water.

City Manager David Rowlands told the Council that presently the price for potable water and reclaimed is the same and that it should be changed. He suggested placing a flier on the back of the utility bills, in newspapers and on Channel 10 with information on conserving water.

"We're in a lot better shape than 90% of the cities" due to the sewer plant that has recycled Fillmore water for years along with the new construction with recycled water lines for irrigation.

Council Member Rick Neal commented that he thinks the 28% reduction in use is unfair due to Fillmore being so far ahead of most other cities in conserving water use. Council Member Diane McCall added that she was concerned with others coming to Fillmore to "stick their straw in our well" and try to siphon off our reserves, "I think the town needs to protect itself."

Finance Director Gaylynn Brien began the meeting with a presentation on the proposed FY 2015-16 Budget. Property taxes which are 30% of revenue are expected to increase 6% to $1,940,405 and Fillmore's growth of 2% gives an estimate of $2.24 million in sales tax which is 39% of revenue.

New expenditures include; Senior Center Program part time position and equipment totaling $68,000; fire truck $10,000; City Hall IT equipment/phone system $65,000; Fee Schedule update $30,000; Business Park Master Plan $32,000; Potable Water Demand Study $30,000.

Additional considerations are Boys & Girls Club lighting, park restrooms, Street Vehicle/Equipment (Chipper $40-$50K, Tree/Lift Truck $165-$180K, Backhoe $100K).

There is a 2% increase in the American Water Contract to $1,443,324 plus a $437,000 in major equipment repair projects. There are discussions on repair costs to the wells which will be added to the budget when information is obtained. Water/sewer rates will also increase 3% from $36.88 to $37.99 for water and $89.60 to $92.29 for sewer.

The total proposed operating budget has revenue at $25.8 million with expenses at $26.0 million.

On the agenda was approval of the four new members of the Active Adult Commission; they are Charles Richardson and Shirley Spitler for two years and Bob Crum and Ernest Morales for four years.

The Council said they were very pleased with the new commission applicants. McCall commented on their great ideas and Tucker mentioned their experience stating, "They bring so much to the table."