ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Escondido City Council approved new water rate increases set to begin Jan. 1 and will increase each year for the next five years.
Residents had been outspoken about the possibility of a nearly 20% increase next year alone.
“It is by far the highest hike proposed over the past 12 years,” Sandra Otteson said.
The city’s utilities department had proposed the steep increases to maintain the city’s water infrastructure — and to pay for more imported water.
“We find ourselves grappling with escalating grocery prices, soaring gas, costs, elevated electricity, bills and soon-to-be higher water rates. Where is the empathy? Where is the compassion,” Matthew Roxo asked.
Escondido purchases about 75% of its water from the San Diego County Water Authority.
“I’m frustrated in particular with the county water authority and not putting their focus on more water storage,” Escondido Mayor Dane White said.
