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KEY FACTS & TIMELINE
01 / RATE IMPACT
Significant Increases Over Five Years
The recently approved plan outlines a series of compounded increases for both water and sewer services, including an approximately 90% increase in 2025–2026, and up to nearly 300% total increase by 2030 based on the City’s own sample residential usage projections.
02 / TRANSPARENCY
Failure to Provide Language Access
Analysis of public records indicates that key decisions were finalized with minimal resident notification. Critical notices were distributed only in English, effectively excluding a significant portion of Cerritos’ multilingual community from understanding and participating in the process, and undermining transparency in fiscal decision-making.
03 / PUBLIC RESPONSE
Significant Protest Disregarded
City records reflect that approximately 6,400 written protest forms were submitted in opposition to the proposed water and sewer rate increases. Despite this substantial level of public opposition, the City Council adopted the full rate increases without modification. This stands in contrast to other municipalities that, when faced with significantly fewer protests, adjusted or reduced proposed rates in response to community feedback, raising concerns about responsiveness and accountability.
04 / FISCAL DATA
Lack of Transparency in Cost Allocation
The rate study relies on operating expense figures that include indirect costs without clearly explaining how those costs are derived or allocated. General fund expense categories appear to be bundled into utility rates without transparency, making it unclear whether residents are being charged for costs unrelated to actual water and sewer operations.
04 / FISCAL DATA
Lack of Transparency in Cost Allocation
The rate study relies on operating expense figures that include indirect costs without clearly explaining how those costs are derived or allocated. General fund expense categories appear to be bundled into utility rates without transparency, making it unclear whether residents are being charged for costs unrelated to actual water and sewer operations.
04 / FISCAL DATA
Lack of Transparency in Cost Allocation
The rate study relies on operating expense figures that include indirect costs without clearly explaining how those costs are derived or allocated. General fund expense categories appear to be bundled into utility rates without transparency, making it unclear whether residents are being charged for costs unrelated to actual water and sewer operations.
05 / FISCAL PRIORITIES
Budget Challenges While Discretionary Spending Continued
City budget discussions reflected financial challenges and concerns about available resources. Despite these fiscal pressures, the City Council approved funding for discretionary expenditures such as festivals, travel, and other non-essential programs. Approving discretionary spending while acknowledging budget constraints raises concerns about fiscal prioritization and whether sufficient effort was made to control or reduce expenses before increasing costs borne by residents.
06 / COMMUNITY TRUST
Breakdown in Public Confidence
The combination of substantial utility rate increases, concerns about the transparency of financial data used in the rate study, and the handling of public opposition has led many residents to question whether their concerns are being adequately considered. Effective local governance relies on maintaining public trust through open communication, clear financial justification for major decisions, and responsiveness to community feedback. The circumstances surrounding the approval of the water and sewer rate increases have contributed to a significant erosion of confidence among many Cerritos residents.
We encourage all residents to review the official source materials and financial timelines to form an informed opinion on these city-wide changes.
Important Documents
HELP US SECURE A TRANSPARENT FUTURE FOR CERRITOS
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DEDICATED TO TRANSPARENCY AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
Concerned Citizens of Cerritos is a non-partisan community organization established to provide residents with clear, verified information regarding local government decisions. We believe that an informed community is the foundation of a healthy democracy, especially when it concerns significant fiscal changes like the recently approved water and sewer rate increases. Our mission is to translate complex administrative policies into accessible facts, ensuring every resident understands the timeline, the costs, and the long-term implications for our city's financial planning. By promoting transparency and accountability, we empower our neighbors to engage meaningfully with civic leaders and protect the community's interests.