Board of Public Utilities - March 5, 2026

The City of Santa Rosa's Board of Public Utilities convened to discuss key water utility programs and budgetary matters. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Help to Others program, a bill assistance initiative for low-income residents subsidized by lease revenues from telecom companies on city property. Due to declining lease revenues and increasing program costs, the board considered reducing the subsidy percentage to maintain program sustainability and discussed options for expanding participant access, including managing a waitlist and potential program redesign. Additionally, updates were provided on water use efficiency efforts, including the Fix a Leak Week campaign and a direct-install toilet replacement program funded by federal grants, aimed at reducing water consumption. The board also reviewed Sonoma Water's proposed fiscal year 2026-27 water transmission budget and rate increase, noting an 8.21% wholesale rate hike and an estimated 6.4% increase in average residential water bills. The collaborative budgeting process and challenges such as aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and natural hazard preparedness were highlighted. The meeting concluded with subcommittee reports on water conservation and budget reviews, and recognition of the water department's achievement of zero sanitary sewage overflows in the past year, underscoring effective infrastructure maintenance and operational excellence.