Water rate hike to get public hearing next Tuesday

An unexpected 5 percent increase from the city's water supplier Calleguas Municipal Water District is forcing the city to ask for two more rate increases this year. Those rate increases are scheduled to be discussed during a public hearing next Tues., Jan. 8, during the City Council meeting. The council meets at 6 p.m. in the city hall council chambers, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

The city of Thousand Oaks is proposing an increase of $0.09 per hundred cubic feet to the current monthly water rate effective Feb. 22. The city is also proposing another monthly rate increase effective July 1 of $0.07 per hundred cubic feet.

The city claims the increases does not make revenue for the city but is a result of the city passing on the cost of the wholesale water to its customers.

Written protests on the proposed rate change may be submitted at the public hearing or delivered to the city clerk at city hall before the close of the hearing. Protests should include name, address and signature. E-mails and phone calls will not be considered, a city report said.

- Nancy Needham