City of Fillmore

Fillmore's last city council meeting for 2016 heard angry but respectful residents complaining about next year's water and sewer rates.

The council chambers were filled to capacity as several residents explained that they could not afford the county's highest rates. A minimum of $142 per month is expected in 2017. Business owners as well as those retired and on Social Security and disability addressed their plight to council members.

Fillmore will have, by far, the highest rates in Ventura County, due to the bonds which financed the new water treatment plant. A week ago the council voted unanimously to approve a schedule of rate increases over the next five years, beginning with a 12 percent hike in the base residential sewer rate, from $92.29 to $103.36 per month, and a 2 percent increase in the base water rate, from $37.99 to $38.75.

Going from sewer-water rates already the highest in the county (double the rates in Thousand Oaks or Ventura) it is particularly hurtful in Fillmore which has the area's lowest median household income levels.

About 5 percent of the city's sewer and water customers filed objections to the increases. Many of those who attended the council meeting said water and sewer costs have risen faster than Social Security income.

Those attending the council meeting applauded the council's decision to reject a proposal to reduce the amount of water included in the base water rate, which would have increased the rate further to some customers.

Council members were unanimous in their dislike for the new higher rates. But, Finance Director Gaylynn Brien explained that to honor its debt obligations and pay for operating expenses, the city needs $7.5 million a year from sewer billings.

The city's new sewer plant, open in 2009, was mostly paid for with bonds. If the rates are not raised the bond rating agencies would downgrade the city's bonds, forcing the city to pay higher rates for any additional money they might borrow.