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Previous Discussion Updates
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* Question: Regarding utility bills and an "urgency ordinance" that was released by the state in the 1990s that stated landlords could not be held responsible for a tenant's unpaid utility bill?
o This was referred to the City Attorney's office for research. A response will be provided once received.
* Question: Regarding fees and if there was "room to increase."
o Unfortunately, no. We are not able to legally increase fees or rates at this time.
* Regarding fees. Fees are limited to the "estimated reasonable cost of providing a service" by Government Code section 66014(a) and other supplementary legislation. To comply with this requirement, the City of Rialto employs a consultant periodically to complete a fee study. If the fee study shows the cost of providing a service is more than the fee being charged, a revised fee schedule is presented to the City Council for approval.
* Regarding rates. Rates are subject to Proposition 218. Proposition 218 was adopted during the November 5, 1996 general election. The official legal title of the measure was: "Voter Approval for Local Government Taxes. Limitations on Fees, Assessments, and Charges. Initiative Constitutional Amendment." This law requires approval by the rate payors to increase rates.
* Question: Regarding water valve turning. Commissioners Hayes and Chitwood both want to see a demonstration.
o The response received from RWS/Veolia was that the demonstration has not been scheduled yet.
* Question: Regarding an increase in electricity and what it was from.
o The monthly report presented to the Utilities Commission during the December meeting and showed what appeared to be an increase in electricity use and cost was for the month of September 2019. September is a traditionally high electricity usage month and the bill did not show an abnormal increase.
* Question: How much of the video inspection program has been finished?
o The response r...
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