City of Clovis votes to raise water rates by 60% over 3 years

CLOVIS, CA (KFSN) -- Water bills are going up in the City of Clovis.

"It's going to be hard for some people," says Marge, Clovis Resident.

Rate increases were passed Monday night following a failed majority protest, during which city residents were given their final chance to cast a vote against the move.

The city held several community meetings and then sent out mailers on March 3rd, but only 76 households wrote in protest.

Starting January of 2027, ratepayers can expect a 21% jump, then another 21% the next year, and in year three an additional 18%, for a total of 60% over the next three years.

Some fear this could push residents out of the city.

"The level of cost being discussed is still worrying for a lot of people I know of my own community and around," says Joshua Engel, Clovis Resident.

While others tell us they welcome the increase if it means infrastructure improvements.

"I think this city manages its resources pretty well, so if it needs to be done to upgrade the infrastructure, it needs to be done," says Jeff Tiftick, Clovis Resident.

Right now, an average single-family home pays about $27 bi-monthly. With this jump, they can expect to pay closer to $40 dollars.

It's been almost two decades since the city saw a major rate increase, the last time in 2009.

"Why is it taking us 10 years?" Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck asked.

City leaders responded, saying a spike in inflation is the main driver for these increases; their operating costs nearly doubled.

This, along with the need for repairs to the aging system that was built in the 70s and 80s.

"We recognize it might be time to address that we held out as long as possible, hoping that things would correct themselves and maybe go back down, but we eventually hit a point where we realize, hey, this isn't changing. It's not correcting and we need to make an adjustment," says Kevin Tuttle, Assistant Public Utilities Director.

The current average rate in Clovis is $28, ranking the city below its neighbors, such as Fresno at $46 and Visalia at $62. However, with this increase, it will surpass Fresno, Madera, and Lemoore, placing it among comparable valley cities.

Now the city tells Action News that, after these three increases, there will be a steady 3% increase until they reassess and determine they need to make more significant changes.

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