Summary
Sewer rates in this low-income colonia have been frozen at $30/month since 2005 while the district loses up to $200,000 a year and owes the county about $2.5 million. Breaking even would cost residents $350 a month — a decision supervisors couldn't make in one meeting.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 23, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents could see their sewer bill jump from $30 to as much as $350 a month; the county is already on the hook for a $2.5 million deficit.
If a sustainable rate or transfer to another agency is reached, the 43 households get a sewer system that won't collapse.
Low-income residents face potentially unaffordable monthly increases, and county taxpayers carry the deficit in the meantime.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Supervisors - Jun 23, 2026
The tiny 44-home Colonia's sewer rates — frozen at $30 a month for 20 years — will climb $10 a month each year for five years. Even then the system runs a $300,000 annual deficit; the county is talking with Brawley about a connection.
Board of Supervisors - Apr 21, 2026
Sewer rates in this low-income colonia have been frozen at $30/month since 2005 while the district loses up to $200,000 a year and owes the county about $2.5 million. Breaking even would cost residents $350 a month — a decision supervisors couldn't make in one meeting.
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