Water rates could significantly increase for Oceano residents.
City officials said it's a routine process for water rates to increase every five years, but now the city is facing a significant revenue shortfall meaning the Oceano water fund is in a deficit.
The proposed rate increase is a 13% hike for the first year, 10% hike for the next two years, then 3% hike for the final two years.
This is a 39% increase over five years.
"The rate increase is needed to maintain their water infrastructure every time you turn on the tap," General Manager of the Oceano Community Services District Will Clemens said. "You expect to get clean water from it, so this rate increase will ensure that continues to happen."
On Oct. 14 there will be a protest hearing for residents to voice their opinions, people can submit a written protest .
Depending on the reaction from the community will determine the outcome of the water rate increase and whether it will need to be redone.
