Important Update: Proposed Sewer Rate Adjustment

Dear LCWD Customers and Property Owners,

Thank you for being part of the Lassen County Waterworks District No. 1 (LCWD). We sent out Proposition 218 notices about a proposed sewer rate adjustment. This letter gives more details on why the increase is needed and what could happen if it does not pass.

How the District Is Funded:

The District gets all of its money from the rates and fees paid by customers — nothing else. We do not receive tax dollars or financial assistance from Lassen County. Except for specific grants that help pay for big improvement projects, the District is funded entirely by you, our customers.

Why This Rate Increase Is Necessary:

LCWD is a small rural district with very limited resources. Our sewer rates have not been increased since around 2016. Since then, costs for everything have gone up a lot.

We have a planning grant to help replace most of the old sewer pipes and fix the ponds. But that grant will not pay for day-to-day maintenance, repairs, or other ongoing needs. Without higher rates, we cannot keep the system running properly.

What Happens If the Rate Increase Does Not Pass:

If enough customers file written protests, the rate adjustment cannot move forward under California law.

This would create serious problems for the District and our community:

• We would have to delay or skip important repairs on aging pipes and equipment. This could lead to more frequent sewer backups, spills, and emergency failures.
• Lift stations and other critical parts of the system could break down more often.
• We may struggle to meet state rules for wastewater systems, which could result in fines or other penalties.
• Service would become less reliable for everyone, putting public health and the environment at greater risk in our rural area.
• With almost no reserves, the District could face major financial trouble. This might force even larger rate increases later or force us to cut services.

In short, without this adjustment the sewer system will slowly deteriorate, and we will have fewer options to fix it.

Next Steps and More Information:

The full rate study is posted on our website under Forms and Reports → District Transparency. You can also come to the office during business hours to read a printed copy.

We understand rate increases are hard, but this change is needed to protect the sewer system we all depend on. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

If you have questions, please call us at (530) 278-6476.

Sincerely,

Kody Smith

General Manager
Lassen County Waterworks District No. 1