The city admits it has used previous rate increases intended for infrastructure upkeep…to pay operational costs instead.  The Commission is asking for accountability proposals from the Department of Utilities before recommending a 19 percent increase over three years.

Jessica Hess with the city says the commission wants to make sure any rate increase will be used to fulfill state and federal mandates…like installing water meters and replacing pipes.

HESS: "The majority of the funds that we generate from this increase will be used to not only bring our pipes to that 1-in-100 year replacement cycle, but will also be used to conduct the $150 million rehabilitation at the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant.  "