Public comment was unanimously opposed to it, but written protests were not enough to kill a plan for major water and sewer rate increases in Nevada City. Under the plan, which goes into effect in January, water rates will rise from the current 31 dollars a month to 113 dollars by 2031 for most single-family households. Sewer rates are rising from 68 to 115 dollars. The City Council unanimously adopted it at their Wednesday meetings, but not before getting some blow back from residents.  Don Joy urged the Council to spread the increases over an even longer period of time…

City Manager Carrie Wright stated that about one-third of the town’s pipeline distribution system is more than 100 years old. And the wastewater system requires continued investment in collection infrastructure, treatment facilities, regulatory compliance and system reliability. The last time water rates were changed was nine years ago and Mayor Daniela Fernandez says it was a very minor adjustment of around 50-cents a month. Wastewater rates last went up three years ago…

Wright then announced the protest vote count and said it didn’t rise to a majority of parcel owners. City staff says without a major adjustment in rates the revenue deficit will continue to deplete reserve funds, delay critical improvements, and rely on the General Fund to subsidize utility operations.