Calaveras Public Utility District Raises Rates

San Andreas, CA — Despite some public objection the Calaveras Public Utility District Board of Directors Tuesday increased their rates.

Customers who pay $20.47 per month will now pay $21.50. That rate will increase 5 percent every year until 2010 when the rate reaches $26.15. Customers will see the first increase on their next bill.

District Manager Gary Goffe says half a dozen people showed up to the rate hearing Tuesday night to oppose the increase. He says there was concern from people on fixed incomes.

The board decided there was nothing it could do about that since it is mandated by the state to charge the same rate to everyone.

Goffe says the increase is due to rising costs passed on by the state and new regulations. Also, it will help cover the regular cost of doing business.

This was the first rate increase since 1998. There was a however a recent increase in the charge for a late payment – from $10 to $20.

The district has 1,800 customers in San Andreas, portions of Rail Road Flat and along Highway 26 from Glencoe down to Paloma.

Written by Vanessa Turner.