HELIX APPROVES WATER RATE INCREASE

Fiscal year 2014-15 budget calls for 4.3 percent rate increase—far lower than the anticipated 6.2 percent

August 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Helix Water District’s board of directors Wednesday revised the final budget for fiscal year 2014-15, including a rate increase of 4.3 percent for the average domestic-class customer who uses 25 units of water.  One unit is 748 gallons.  The increase amounts to $5.68 on the average bimonthly bill—well below the anticipated 6.2 percent or $8.23 increase that was approved last year as part of a two-year rate notice in accordance with requirements of Proposition 218.

New rates will be applied to water used beginning Sept. 1 and reflected in billings beginning Nov. 1.

The district was able to adopt a water rate lower than expected because its operating budget decreased by $297,700, its capital budget by $120,842 and its prior-year cash use by $106,262.  The district benefitted by reduced costs for employee health care, employer contributions to CalPERS employee pension program and workers’ compensation renewal.

In all, the district’s expenses decreased by $524,804, enabling the agency to lower the water rate increase.

Even with this latest increase, the district’s average domestic-class customer pays water rates well below what is paid by similarly situated customers of other water agencies in the region, according to a press release issued by the District.