Urges Reform and More Protection For Ratepayers Whose Water Bills Have Increased 67% Since 2007
For the past five years, San Diegans have seen their water rates rise 67%. Mayoral Candidate Carl DeMaio today released his “Water Ratepayer Bill of Rights” to protect San Diego families from outrageous water rate hikes.
“San Diegans have been hosed by higher water rates year-after-year. It’s time we give San Diego working families a break,” said DeMaio.
DeMaio aims to end the abuses by implementing 10 reforms that would protect taxpayers and reward conservation efforts for homeowners by implementing a fair rate structure and require a 2/3 vote on rate increases.
The plan will also implement reforms within the water department like managed competition, employee compensation reform as well as requiring performance and financial audits to target waste.
“One of the most important duties as Mayor is ensuring that our city government is responsible with San Diego tax dollars. It is critical that our Water Department practice fiscal discipline by controlling its spending and reducing the burden on San Diego families,” said DeMaio.
Ratepayers Bill of Rights
1. A Fair Rate Structure
Ratepayers have a right to a water rate structure which allows them to save money when they save water.
2. Require a 2/3 Vote on Water Rate Increases
Require that any future water rate increases require a two-thirds vote of the City Council
3. Performance and Financial Audits
Ratepayers have a right to see where their dollars are going. We must ensure that annual performance and financial audits are conducted on the San Diego Water Department.
4. Managed Competition
Ratepayers have a right to see support services at the San Diego Water Department and Public Utilities Department put through the managed competition process regularly.
5. Rate Rebates
Ratepayers have a right to share in any savings from operations and capital project savings.
6. Employee Compensation Reform
Ratepayers have a right to a Water Department which ensures that employee salaries and benefits are no better and no worse than the local labor market.
7. Reliable Water Supply
Ratepayers have a right to a diverse source of water supplies to ensure competition, adequate reserves, and a steady source of water, including emerging technologies such as desalination.
8. Customer Service
Ratepayers have a right to professional, responsive, and timely customer service each time they contact the Water Department, as well as easily accessible online billing.
9. Sound Infrastructure
Ratepayers have a right to water and sewer mains which don’t break on a regular basis, and a sewage treatment system which doesn’t pollute beaches & creeks when the power goes out.
10. A True Watchdog
Ratepayers have a right to an Independent Rates Oversight Committee which protects ratepayers rather than the Water Department.