Council to Vote on Sewage Fee

Residents of Redondo Beach will have a chance to address City Council regarding the Wastewater Sewer User Fee at Tuesday evening's City Council meeting.

A recently proposed fee increase that would assist in upgrading the city's nearly 80-year-old sewer system, which includes 15 pump stations and 112 miles of sewer lines, has some residents in an uproar. 

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City officials say that approximately $33 million in improvements are needed for the sewer system over the next 15 years, including nearly $19 million in upgrades to pump stations across the city and $11 million to improve pipe conditions.

In addition, a budget of $800,000 will be required annually for sewer maintenance, aimed at preventing sewage catastrophes and for sewage repairs.

Currently, single-family homes pay $7.25 monthly, a fee established in 2008. If the fee increase is approved, that fee will increase by $3 each year until 2014. 

Sewer fees first came into effect in December of 2003 in order to fund repair work to the wastewater system. Previously, sewer maintencance was paid for by the city's general fund.

Recently, city officials, who began looking at potential rate increases in 2010, initiated a public outreach campaign aimed at informing residents of the proposed fee increases. 

However, residents do have the power to quell the fee hikes by submitting a formal protest to the Redondo Beach City Clerk's Office.

If more than half of the residents affected by the fee increase - in this case, owners whose property is connected to the sewer system - submit protest forms. City Council will then be barred from implementing the fee increase.

Council will vote on the increase at Tuesday's City Council meeting.