DeMaio Urges San Diego Residents to Reject Another Water Rate Hike

65% Increase in Water Bills Since 2007 – Yet City Failed to Deliver on Promised Reforms from 2007 Rate Increase

Councilmember Carl DeMaio expressed disappointment that the City Council voted to forward another water rate hike on hard working San Diego families instead of fixing the wasteful spending within the Water Department.  At the urging of the Mayor the City Council voted to support the rate increase and mail out Prop 218 notices required by law to San Diego residents giving them an opportunity to protest a rate increase.  DeMaio is urging residents to look for the notices in the mail and reject the increase.

 San Diegans were promised by the City in 2007 to install safeguards and efficiencies to protect residents from rate increases by implementing reforms such as performance audits, separate financial audits, managed competition and limiting the controversial Bid-to-Goal program. Unfortunately these reforms have not been implemented.

 “Residents were promised reforms and cost savings that have not materialized.  San Diegans deserve better than empty promises and increased water rates in a time of a recession,” noted DeMaio.

 A white paper released by DeMaio’s office earlier in the year found flaws and weaknesses within the Water Department.  The report outlined several disturbing expenditures and financial practices showing that out of control labor costs in water agencies are contributing to the higher water rates being forced on working families and businesses.

 “With the overwhelming defeat of Prop D. San Diego voters sent a clear message to their elected officials that they are tired of the never ending rate and tax increases.  I urge my colleagues to finally listen and make the needed reforms,” DeMaio said.