Sewer rates go up for Geyserville customers

Sewer rates hikes for about 22,000 homes and businesses across Sonoma County were approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.

The increases range from 2 to 8 percent on annual bills of $640 to $1,600.

Affected residents and businesses include ratepayers in Geyserville, Penngrove, Sea Ranch, Occidental, Sonoma Valley, South Park, the Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup and Russian River areas.

The eight sanitation zones and districts are overseen by the Sonoma County Water Agency.

The fee increases cover operational and maintenance costs and finance capital improvements for the wastewater systems, Water Agency officials said.

The 5-0 board vote also switched Sonoma Valley customers from a flat rate to a volume-based rate, a move officials said most supported.

One speaker from the Russian River area voiced opposition to the rate hikes.

— Brett Wilkison, The Press Democrat