Water rate increases and the potential demolition of a historical building are up on the dock for the Benicia City Council at tonight’s meeting. First up for the council will be the water rate increases. The city of Benicia recommended the water and sewer rate increase after an 18-month dialogue and review by independent financial […]
Letter: Unfair billing practice
Unfair billing practice I appreciate Larnie Fox’s letter re: “Civility” regarding some of the comments being made on social media relating to the general unhappiness with the increase in water bills. Some have taken this as an opportunity to stage unnecessary and unwarranted attacks on our mayor. I remained silent on this issue for personal […]
Letters: Civility
Civility Many citizens are very upset about the hike in water bills and the new water meters. Our bill went up too, and we have a new water meter. I don’t like paying more for water now that we are on a fixed income, but it seemed reasonable and necessary to me, if a bit […]
Mayor Patterson responds to concerns over water rates
Further discussion to be held at Sept. 5 council meeting Following a heated discussion over water and sewer rates at the Aug. 15 Benicia City Council meeting, where several residents took to the lectern to voice their concerns over paying higher bills for the above rates, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson responded to the issues that people […]
Letters: Confederate display and funding Benicia
Funding Benicia I read Thursday’s letter by Lionel Largaespada, and for the most part I am in agreement. The city simply needs to run itself like a business that wants to make a profit, or in our case, at least break even. Stop giving away the ranch to bring in or retain employees that can […]
Letters: Rate hike alternatives
Funding Benicia is possible without rate hikes Last week the City Council implied that Benicia is struggling financially, and that raising water and sewer rates and permit fees are necessary if we want to balance the budget without having to cut essential services. Facing financial duress, it is understandable why the City Council might feel […]
Benicians vent frustration over water rates
The public comment portion of Tuesday’s Benicia City Council meeting drew a lot of impassioned remarks. What caused so much fervor among those in attendance was the council’s discussion of the water rates within the city. Since 2014, the City Council has received monthly staff reports about water regulation. Specifically in these reports were updates […]
Letters: Tuesday’s council meeting and Charlottesville
What about the residents? The mayor’s seat is empty and without leadership. It is occupied by an agenda-driven person who puts her personal ideals before the residents of this wonderful town. I’m talking about Mayor Patterson. That was on full display at Tuesday’s council meeting. I have been a very strong critic of the mayor […]
City manager clarifies water, sewer rate increases
In response to concerns by residents over sewer and water rate increases over the past week, City Manager Lorie Tinfow posted a message on the city of Benicia website to clarify the reasons why. In 2012, the Benicia City Council voted to approve water and sewer rate increases after a six-year hold, partly due to aging […]
Water update on Tuesday’s council agenda
The Benicia City Council may receive the city’s monthly water update at Tuesday’s meeting. Some new information was presented in a report by Public Works Director Graham Wadsworth, where it was noted that Benicia’s water conservation rate has improved within the past year. In all of 2016, Benicia’s conservation rate was at 43 percent, an […]