San Juan Bautista
– The City Council may take a big step toward raising sewer and
water rates at its meeting tonight.
San Juan Bautista – The City Council may take a big step toward raising sewer and water rates at its meeting tonight.
San Juan Bautista last increased water and sewer rates in 2005. According to City Manager Jan McClintock, the current hikes are needed for the city’s water infrastructure improvements to move forward – a project that the Regional Water Quality Control Board said the city must complete.
If the council approves the increase, McClintock said, the city is required by Proposition 218 to send a notice to all affected property owners, who will have 45 days to contest the new rates.
The council will also introduce an ordinance that would loosen the city’s restrictions on formula businesses – namely, chain or franchise businesses that must conform to standardized practices. McClintock said the ordinance would make room for some formula businesses – for example, a local hardware store affiliated with a larger chain – while still preventing McDonald’s and Starbucks from moving in.
When the restrictions were first approved, supporters said that chain and “big-box” stores would destroy San Juan’s historical character, while opponents said the stores could benefit the city’s economy.
The meeting is at 6:30pm at City Hall.
