Overview

Cerritos residents have initiated a campaign to repeal recent water and sewer rate increases approved by the City Council. This effort follows a significant number of protests against the hikes, leading to the filing of a formal ballot initiative.

The proposed measure, known as the Water and Sewer Rate Repeal and Replacement Ordinance, aims to eliminate the approved increases and establish a more transparent process for future rate adjustments.

Key details

  • More than 6,400 written protests were submitted against the water and sewer rate increases.
  • A Notice of Intention to Circulate Petition has been filed to formally launch the ballot initiative.
  • The City Council approved the rate increases on January 26, 2026.
  • The proposed ordinance seeks to repeal the recent rate hikes.
  • It mandates a full, transparent cost-of-service analysis before any new rates can be adopted.
  • The initiative requires the City Council to adopt replacement rates within 180 days of voter approval.
  • If the city does not comply, the ordinance allows for a fallback to the previous rate structure on an interim basis.
  • The measure demands public release of financial data and methodologies used to justify future rate increases.
  • Future rate adjustments must comply with Proposition 218 requirements, including formal notice and public hearings.
  • Residents argue that the last approval process lacked transparency and public scrutiny.
  • The initiative aims to ensure that future rate-setting processes are objective and evidence-based.
  • Critics claim that while the rules were technically followed in the past, they were not adhered to in spirit.

Context

This initiative reflects growing discontent among Cerritos residents regarding how water and sewer rates are determined and the perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

What happens next

As the campaign progresses, residents will work to gather the necessary support to place the initiative on the ballot, which could lead to a public vote on the proposed ordinance.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the timeline for gathering signatures, the specific number of signatures required, and the potential impact on city finances remain unconfirmed.