The meeting’s most urgent topic was the proposed 9.5% rate increase for water services, resulting in an average monthly increase of $3.12 for customers. The general manager of the water board detailed the necessity of this increase, citing pre-negotiated wage hikes and rising material costs. Significant investments are required in infrastructure, with two-thirds of the water treatment plant set for rebuilding and many water mains exceeding their expected lifespan. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a AAA bond rating, the manager discussed the $214 million debt and the strategy to balance capital needs with customer affordability. The proposed budget highlighted a lead-free program and significant cybersecurity investments, while also addressing affordability concerns and potential contaminants like PFOS.

Efforts to assist low-income customers were a major focus, with a proposal to increase funding for water bill assistance from $50,000 to $375,000. Historically, many struggled to access support, as funds quickly depleted. The new plan aims to offer consistent quarterly benefits, rather than a lump sum, reducing customers’ bills by about 33% each quarter. The proposal highlighted a commitment to cease water shut-offs permanently, which had been paused during the pandemic, and to mitigate financial burdens by preventing disconnections and tax certifications due to unpaid bills.

Discussions on the Community Justice Unit revealed financial instability as grant funding that previously supported the program is expiring. The unit, focused on reviewing cases for possible diversion to non-traditional prosecution avenues, faces challenges in securing stable funding. A representative noted the program’s efficacy, with lower recidivism rates compared to traditional prosecutions. The committee sought clarity on operational costs and funding history, expressing the need for transitioning to a more sustainable funding model.

The diversion program for low-level nonviolent gun offenders also featured prominently. This initiative, which expanded despite pandemic-related challenges, aims to prevent individuals from becoming entrenched in the justice system by redirecting them from a criminalization route. The program targets individuals who have not engaged in violent acts but may have been charged with possession violations. The discussion included clarifying the criteria for program inclusion and highlighted the preventive intent of the initiative.

The meeting addressed victim support services, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining funding for important positions. Current staffing, reliant on expiring grants, faces potential reductions, with nearly $170,000 requested for the upcoming year but only about $135,000 allocated. The importance of victim advocates who assist with navigating the legal process was highlighted, alongside the complexities of coordinating with other organizations and securing future funding amid budget constraints.