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New Measures for Water and Sewer Projects

San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders announced new measures to make sure water and sewer rates pay for water and sewer projects, and are not used to shore up the city’s ailing budget. KPBS reporter Alison S

New Measures for Water and Sewer Projects

San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders announced new measures to make sure water and sewer rates pay for water and sewer projects, and are not used to shore up the city’s ailing budget. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Sanders wants to allay rate payers’ fears before a public hearing later this month on proposed  water and sewer rate increases. In spite of a recent audit, evidence continues to surface that money from the water and sewer funds has been siphoned off for other general purposes.

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Sanders: I want all of our citizens to feel secure in the fact there will be protections in place to protect against inappropriate transfers in the future.

Sanders says he will appoint a new 11 member Independent Oversight Committee, including rate payer representatives, to keep an eye on how the money’s spent. He’ll also set up a fund for money saved by increased efficiency that would offset the need for more rate increases in the future.

Consumer groups complain the proposed rate increases unfairly target homeowners. The city is in a tight spot. It must raise money to upgrade the system, or risk heavy fines from state and federal regulators. Alison St John, KPBS news.