Resident Richard Ropiak is the first of many residents to object to a water rate increase in Dixon, which will be added to the water portion of the city utility bills.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The water rate increase is officially in effect.

“Here is the one I think everyone is waiting for,” Mayor Steve Bird said before announcing the adoption of the water rate increase on July 16. The once-looming increase is now a reality after detailed draft studies, creating an ad hoc committee, and holding public workshops and hearings.

The water rate increase is among a few Dixon water issues, including the city's recent joining of a lawsuit against the state of California over Chromium water levels and the recent approval of $119,000 for more work on the Valley Glen Well Project in southern Dixon.

With no other way to wipe out the $417,000 annual operating deficit that includes deferred capital projects, passing the increase meant hearing from the public beforehand. IB Water Rate Study Consultant Habib Isaac made it clear before adopting the increase that he would “not answer any questions from the public,” rather only to the council.

Officials contend the increase will help fund critical and near-term projects. A water meter replacement program, a new well, electrical upgrades, and well upgrades and replacement are just a few of the projects totaling $13.5 million.

The resident above, who works in the medical sector, said the water rate study provided to the public took a lot of work to read, leaving her with more questions than answers.

Even with an increase, officials pointed out that existing rates remain at some of the region's lowest levels before and after the rise. However, the silver lining seemed to upset resident Richard Ropiak even more, with the local reminding officials, “We are on a water bowl; we better have the best rates and the best water.”

Ropiak said residents here have “paid our share” for water rates, and the burden should now be on new residents moving in.

“They should pay their share; they have the money,” Ropiak said. “To tell us that we have to pay for other people who haven't paid their share is lunacy.”

There are two facts officials wanted to assure the public was aware of regarding the water rate increase: the increase only applies to the water portion of the utility bill, not the sewer, and the last rate increase was in 2013, with construction costs now 49% higher more than a decade later.

But those facts are irrelevant to many residents who stood at the podium in protest. The Independent Voice took pictures and heard comments by the public but the City of Dixon was unable to provide resident names for the report.

The first resident called the increase a “sleight of hand.”

Residents line up at the July 16 meeting to oppose the water rate increase to protest, with the above resident calling the move unethical and illegal.

“You can't raise rates on the premise that your wells need to be repaired,” he said. “You want to raise rates, put it out to vote; let the city of Dixon and people decide.”

After he called the move “illegal and unethical,” another resident pleaded for officials not to pass the increase, saying the 35-page document left her with more questions than answers. While holding up the study that she called “very difficult” to read for a layman, the resident said she, even as a medical field analyst, finds it hard to read.

“I went through it with a highlighter and pen, and what I saw I did not care for,” she said before asking about where all the revenue from the new houses built has gone. “I have been here almost 30 years and am well aware of what was here.”

Another resident brought up the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She questioned if the water rates go up and someone lives in a group home with incontinence issues, “they are going to need more water in that group home.”

“We have to abide by the ADA right and come up with a rate for people with disabilities,” she said.

Solano County Taxpayer's Association President Michael Nolan said he was “authorized to deliver several hundred protests” that night, noting he handed them off before speaking.

Holding up the notice letter, Nolan claimed residents were not fully informed that a water rate increase was to take place that evening, except for one mentioned on line 29.

“Quite honestly, a lot of people did not read that line,” Nolan said. “The paper is folded twice, so it is below the third fold.”

Residents line up at the July 16 meeting to oppose the water rate increase to protest, with the above resident calling the move unethical and illegal.

Most of all, Nolan was concerned about the increase not being on the ballot. Citing the government code that “basically requires a ballot to be mailed and returned by the voter,” Nolan questioned why the provisions did not apply.

“I think you should find that out before you go any further,” Nolan said.

Officials did not heed Nolan's warning. Before passing the increase, Vice-Mayor Kevin Johnson said the hardest decision to make is after the public stands at the podium disappointed.

“I spent the last 14 months analyzing the water system,” Johnson said, adding that one of the reasons he ran for office was the water issues. “There was not a moment we were not diligent in what we did."