Directors at the Joshua Basin Water District will gather at the district office on Chollita Road in Joshua Tree for a special 9 a.m. session tomorrow (December 14, 2022). On the agenda… water rates. A very few will get a small break, while the vast majority can expect to see rate hikes each year for the next five.
First the good news… in each year of operation the district’s low-income assistance program has served fewer than 40 income-qualified accounts. Tomorrow, directors will consider doubling the annual benefit to $100 per account. Hopes are that a larger benefit will increase participation. The other issue on tomorrow’s agenda is the not-so-good news. Directors will choose one of several five-year rate hike scenarios, authorize prop 218 notices, and approve a February 15 protest vote. In this type of vote those opposed to the increases must submit a letter of protest.
Those who do not submit a written protest are counted as a vote in favor of the hikes.
