West Hollywood, California (June 1, 2010) - Citing sewers approaching 90-years old and dire need of a $2 million dollar overhaul, the West Hollywood Public Works department seeks a 75 percent sewer rate increase. 
Photo by WeHo News. |
A 2009 video inspection of 1/6 of the city’s sewer pipe found deficiencies in need of $1.75 million worth of repair; projecting they system’s future needs, the city says it requires $500,000 a year to fulfill “stringent” 2006 California Water Resources Control Board regulations that require that cities adequately fund sewer maintenance services.
Because the rates are based on the amount of waste water poured into the system, most residential users will see increases amounting to under $10 annually; however, businesses that use large amounts of water, such as restaurants, spas and hotels see quite large increases.
Landlords of multi-unit properties complain that the $9.75 per unit increase cannot be passed along to the tenants.
Business interests call the increase excessive.
The city’s Director of Public Works notes that the property owners in WeHo pay a fraction of what their neighbors pay.
Photo by WeHo News. |
Beverly Hills owners of multi-unit properties pay the most in the LA Basin $374 annually (compared to $170 in Los Angeles).
Compare that to WeHo’s $37.90 top charge for 1-5 unit buildings; buildings larger that 5 units pay $22.75 per unit.
In fact, West Hollywood owners still pays less than property owners in unincorporated Los Angeles County ($40.50 per unit per year).
The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles has organized to fight the increase, planning a meeting to do so for Thursday, June 3 at 12:30 pm in West Hollywood at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall (facing Vista).
To block the increase, 51 percent of property owners must E mail or write the city before Monday at 5 o’clock pm.
The public hearing on the rate increase takes place on Monday, June 7 at 6:30 pm at the regular City Council meeting.
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