Municipal Rates & Utilities Committee

The Municipal Rates and Utilities Committee (the “Committee”) was established by the City Council of the City of Rio Vista on March 7, 2023. This Committee, which has been created for a specific purpose as set forth below, will cease to exist once its purpose has been achieved or per City Council directive, whichever comes first.

Purpose, Scope, and Duties

The purpose of the Committee is to review and provide input to staff as the City updates its water, wastewater (sewer), stormwater, and garbage rates. The Committee will also provide a forum to keep the public informed as these studies proceed and will help to educate residents. The Committee will also work with staff to ensure the proper processing of any rate increases are handled in compliance with the provisions of Proposition 218.

The Committee will receive presentations from City staff and the City’s consultant(s) on the subject matter (the rate studies, impacts on and of potential rate changes, legal obligations of Proposition 218), and information relevant and necessary to the subject matter.

The Committee will endeavor to inform and educate residents on the subject matter as the projects progress and new information becomes available. This will include conducting informational presentations and feedback to City staff regarding public outreach, and monthly reports to City Council regarding the Committee’s findings and activities. Additionally, the Committee, by motion and consensus, will make recommendations for City Council’s consideration regarding community outreach, education, and advocacy.

Once new rates have been implemented, the Committee’s Purpose and Scope will cease to exist, and the Committee will be dissolved. Should the City Council determine at any time before then that there is no longer a need for the Committee, they may choose to terminate the Committee.

Meeting Schedule

The Committee meets monthly, on the fourth Thursday, at 6 p.m.  Agendas can be found here: Meetings

Unless otherwise designated, meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall. All Committee Members and meetings are subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs how meetings of a public body are held. Generally, all meetings must be open to the public with advanced notice unless excepted. Special meetings are noticed at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Regular meetings are noticed at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meeting.

Membership

The Committee is comprised of five (5) voting members; two (2) are City Council Members and three (3) are at-large residents. Appointments will be made by City Council’s approval of the Mayor’s nominations. Upon the Committee’s formation, the Mayor appointed the Chairperson and that member will serve as Chair for the duration of the Committee. Should a vacancy occur on the Committee before the Committee is dissolved or terminated, the Mayor will nominate a new appointment to be approved by Council vote.

Members:

• Council Member Edwin Okamura (Chair)
• Chris Armbrust (Vice Chair)
• Council Member Rick Dolk
• Michelle Stahlman
• Hector De La Rosa