About the Rio Vista Storm Drain Fee
We appreciate your active participation for balloting on the proposal to adjust Rio Vista's storm water rates, which have remained unchanged since 1989. Despite a robust turnout with 2,200 ballots returned representing votes for 2,329 parcels, the measure did not pass. There were 1,233 "no" votes and 1,096 "yes" votes.
Please stay informed at RioVistaRates.com for the latest updates and important information regarding proposed water and wastewater rates. Also, consider attending the Municipal Utilities Rate Committee meetings. This committee meets every month on the 4th Thursday. You can attend in-person or on-line.
Storm Drain Fee Approval Process Timeline
Initial Review by MRUC
The Municipal Rates & Utility Commission (MRUC) has been reviewing the city’s rates and fees for essential city services, including storm drain services. Their goal is to ensure these rates meet community needs and support the financial stability of these services.
MRUC's Recommendation
The MRUC recommended a new rate for storm drain services after carefully reviewing current infrastructure needs, community feedback, and financial requirements to sustain high-quality, reliable service for all residents.
Beginning of Proposition 218 Process
The City Council scheduled a public hearing and will send notices in the mail to community members detailing the proposed storm drain fee and the public hearing date.
Community Open Houses
Hosted by the City of Rio Vista, these open house events are designed to engage the community with the proposed Storm Drain Fee. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the fee, ask questions, express concerns, and receive direct responses.
Public Hearing - City Council Approved Moving Forward
On June 4th, the City Council approved moving forward with the proposed fee adjustments, after owners of only 75 of the 5,978 parcels subject to the Storm Drain Fee submitted written protests.
Ballot Distribution
Ballots for voting on the proposed storm drain fee were mailed out.
Ballot Return Deadline
For the proposed fee to pass, a simple majority of the ballots returned by the deadline must approve the fee. This means more than 50% of the voting ballots need to be in favor of the proposed fee.
Council Meeting
Ballots counted and election results announced, if election is successful adopt fee.
Storm Drain Financial Plan
A Storm Drain Rate Study is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a specialized consultant (such as NBS in this case) to determine the financial viability, fairness, and cost-effectiveness of the rates charged by a storm drain utility. It involves detailed financial planning, cost-of-service analysis, rate design analysis and comparison with regional rates. View the 2024 Property Related Fee Rate Study for Storm Drain Services here.
