Montecito Water District Completes its Part of the “DeSal Deal” and Adopts New Rates
(Santa Barbara, California. June 25, 2020)
Montecito Water District’s Board of Directors approved the Water Supply Agreement between the District and the City of Santa Barbara and adopted new water rates at a Special Board Meeting and Public Hearing held today, June 25, 2020.
“This was an historic meeting that represents a significant achievement in regional collaboration and water supply planning. It is a culmination of years of hard work and will provide benefits for the long-term – at least the next 50 years,” said Nick Turner, MWD’s General Manager. “We are excited to move forward in partnership with the City, which will meet to consider the agreement next month.”
The District’s new rates will take effect starting tomorrow, June 26, 2020, and customers will see the changes on their August invoice. Based on the rate study analysis that supported the change, the District anticipates that 56% of customers will see a decrease or no change in their monthly bill. A new rate calculator tool is available on the web site for those who don’t want to wait to see the impacts. The new rate structure will eliminate a Water Shortage Emergency Surcharge implemented in 2015 to fund unforeseen extraordinary expenses resulting from the drought.
“Rewarding conservation was an important consideration in restructuring the rates, and the small volume user is going to come out ahead,” said Ken Coates, Director and Finance Committee Member. The District’s rates have not changed since 2016, and rate plans are typically implemented every 3-5 years.
MWD is conducting business as usual to the extent possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual drinking water quality report will be posted online by June 30 at montecitowater.com/doc/ccr2019 . Customer service staff is available by phone and email during business hours (8 am - 5 pm, Monday – Friday). All water delivery operations are regular. Board Meetings are open to the public and accessible by teleconference. Meeting times are posted to the online District Calendar and participation is encouraged. More information can be found in the Agendas and Packets available on the District’s web site: montecitowater.com. For assistance please contact call 805.969.2271 or email customerservice@montecitowater.com.
Montecito Water District’s mission is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District places particular emphasis on providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies.
