The Twentynine Palms Water District took another step in formally raising rates and fees on their 8,000 customers last night. The board had voted October 30 to hold a public hearing January 27 to take public input on the significant increases. Discussion last night centered on the hearing and the other requirements under prop 218. Under state law, the district must give a 45-day formal notice of the increases and receive public protests during that time before they are implemented. For water users, bills would increase by up to 10% a year for five consecutive years, an additional $30 a month. For new connections, the charge for a new connection, including a meter and impact fees, would increase to $12,000 and $13,000. The board also voted to change the billing cycle for the district to a monthly billing, instead of bi-monthly.
