Turlock to weigh water rate study

TURLOCK -- The City Council on Tuesday will revisit a proposed water rate study that could be the first step in raising residents' fees to make up for a projected $780,000 shortfall.

The council had tabled a plan to begin accepting proposals for a rate study in November, to wait for new councilman Steven Nascimento to be seated. He and returning council member Amy Bublak were sworn in last month right before the council took a break for the holidays.

The city's Municipal Services Department estimates a $780,000 budget deficit for the 2012-13 fiscal year. The city's last water rate study, in 2009, showed that rates were among the lowest in the region, with only Newman and Oakdale charging less.

Municipal Services Director Dan Madden is recommending the council start accepting proposals from consulting groups to conduct a water rate survey. It is expected to cost $30,000 to $50,000 and could take three to four months once approved.

The council is expected to approve several appointments to city commissions and committees during its first regular meeting of the year. Those include appointing the vice mayor and members of the planning commission; parks, recreation and community commission; arts commission and Stanislaus County Economic Development Action Committee.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the City Hall Yosemite Room, 156 S. Broadway.

Bee staff writer Marijke Rowland can be reached at mrowland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2284. Follow her on www.twitter.com/turlocknow.