ENCINITAS — Some Encinitas residents will see their water rates rise July 1, but not as high as was previously expected.
The City Council, sitting as the San Dieguito Water District, approved a 4.5 percent rate increase for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
The approved increase is less than the 8.5 percent hike increase that staff anticipated it would levy. According to a city staff report, the district was able to spare ratepayers the higher increase through a series of actions, including a staff reorganization that saved the district $100,000, stronger water sales and the potential refunding of a 2004 water bond.
“This is actually good news,” board member Teresa Barth said.
The San Dieguito Water District serves customers in Encinitas generally west of El Camino Real. The Olivenhain Water District serves communities on the east side of El Camino Real.
