Imperial County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Imperial County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Colorado River water reallocation
Supervisor Kelley wanted the county to demand an independent economic analysis of IID's water transfers, arguing fallowing strips jobs and tax base while federal drought money flows to IID. The Farm Bureau and others asked for more stakeholder vetting, and the board tabled it 5-0.
Cade Poe Colonia sewer rates
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.
Niland wastewater rate increase
The colonia's $30-a-month sewer rate hasn't kept up with over $200,000 in annual costs. The board chose gradual $10 yearly increases to $80 over five years, though even that leaves a deficit the general fund will have to cover.
Niland Wastewater Treatment Plant completion
Supervisor Kelley reported the decade-in-planning Niland sewer project is done, and five of 22 homes destroyed in the 2022 fire have been rebuilt.
Utility shutoff policy for county special districts
Four county-run districts can now cut and cap water or sewer service to customers more than 30 days delinquent — with required hardship payment plans under state law — to stop paying residents from subsidizing non-payers.