LEWISTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

PROPOSED WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE INCREASE

LOCATION: Lewiston Community Center, 130 Texas Avenue, Lewiston, CA

TIME:   6 pm

REASON FOR PROPOSED RATE INCREASE

The District has completed a 2026 Utility Rate Study evaluating operating costs, infrastructure replacement needs, reserves, and revenue requirements. The study determined that current revenues are insufficient to meet operating expenses, maintain financial stability, or fund necessary system maintenance and replacement. Operating costs are projected to continue increasing annually, and maintaining adequate operating reserves is necessary for responsible utility management.
 

PROPOSED RATE ADJUSTMENT

The Board of Directors is considering adoption of a schedule that would increase both water and wastewater service rates by seven percent (7%) per year for five consecutive years, beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing annually through July 1, 2031.

The proposed increases are intended to restore financial stability, allow for infrastructure replacement, maintain adequate operating reserves, and avoid substantially larger increases in future years.
 

BASIS FOR RATE CALCULATION

The proposed rates are based upon a cost-of-service analysis that allocates utility costs proportionally among customers. Water rates include fixed charges based on meter capacity and variable charges based on consumption. Wastewater rates are based on estimated discharge volumes derived from water usage. These methods are standard in the utility industry and are designed to ensure fairness and proportionality among ratepayers.
 

PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE

At the public hearing, the Board of Directors will consider all public comments and written protests before determining whether to adopt the proposed rates.
 

RIGHT TO PROTEST

Under Article XIII D of the California Constitution (Proposition 218), written protests against the proposed rates may be submitted by property owners or utility customers. If written protests are received from a majority of affected parcels, the proposed rates cannot be imposed.

Only one protest per parcel will be counted.

Each written protest must:

1. Identify the affected property (address or Assessor’s Parcel Number);
2. State opposition to the proposed water and/or wastewater rate increases; and
3. Include the printed name and signature of the property owner or customer.

Written protests must be received prior to the close of the public hearing at:

Lewiston Community Services District

Attn: Rate Protest

P.O. Box 164

Lewiston, CA 96052

Email and fax protests cannot be accepted. Oral comments alone do not qualify as formal protests.
 

EFFECTIVE DATE

If adopted, the proposed rates will take effect July 1, 2026.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copies of the 2026 Utility Rate Study and supporting materials are available for public review at the District office during normal business hours, and posted below. To request information in an alternative format for accessibility, please call (530) 778-0306.