Water and wastewater rate increases

An attorney and resident, she opposed the rate increases, criticizing limited outreach including lack of translated materials for a 39.2% non-English-speaking population, and urged the council to reject the hike and seek state or federal funds.

Speaking in Spanish with translation, the farm worker and Sacramento Valley Workers Benefit Council delegate demanded the council reject the rate hike, noting most tenants she polled never received English-only notices and cannot afford increases.

A Yuba College student and Western Farm Workers Association volunteer, she recounted helping a low-income family avoid a winter water shutoff on a $900 bill, cited state shutoff protections, and urged the council to reject the hike.

Said infrastructure costs should be covered by existing taxes or state and federal funds, not higher water bills for residents already struggling with rent, medical, and grocery costs.

A Yuba College student living with her grandmother on Social Security, she said the increase could cost their low-income household its home and urged rejection of the rates.

A local coach and public works director elsewhere, he explained consequences of failing the rate study, warned that privatization like Marysville's Cal Water costs more, and urged low-income assistance programs, irrigation education, and the customer portal.

Briefly spoke in support of government-provided public services, citing Roseville as a model.

Urged the council to seek contributions or advocacy from large agricultural companies that benefit from and consume the most water in the community.

A resident since 1979, she supported fixing water infrastructure and paying taxes but questioned how grant money has been allocated, citing the Plumas Street sign, and asked where current revenues have gone.

A resident since 2003 with a business background, she criticized the ten-year gap since the last rate study and urged better long-term financial planning and accountability, including an elected management structure.

Argued the comparison cities in the rate charts are larger and wealthier than Yuba City, and said rate decisions should reflect local incomes.