Approved Change to Billing Process

Effective July 1, 2024, bi-monthly billing for wastewater service will stop. An annual fee for wastewater service in the Monterey One Water service area will instead be included on a parcel’s annual Property Tax Bill. This change was approved by the Monterey One Water Board of Directors on October 30, 2023.

Customers will begin receiving routine communication starting in January 2024 on the billing transition.
 

Transparency

This change will not impact Monterey One Water commitment to transparency. Annually, customers will receive a letter with the amount and breakdown of their sewer charges for the next fiscal year. This will occur after the Board approves the budget and rates for that fiscal year (July 1-June 30). If the Board wants to consider a rate change, the Agency must follow the state-required process, including written justification to each property owner and a process to vote on the change. The Board will also lead a budget workshop and a public hearing with opportunities for public comment before voting to set new rates.

For a summary of our 2023-2024 budget, view the Monterey One Water Budget in Brief (PDF). For a more detailed look at our financials, please visit our Financial Transparency Section.

Greater Customer Efficiency
  • Increase in transparency, outreach, and translation services
  • Expanded Customer Assistance Program
  • More equitable billing process
  • Elimination of current M1W lien process
  • Lower future rate increases due to estimated $400,000 annual cost savings


Rate Structure
Mandated Service:
  • Mandated Service: Service cannot be turned off regardless of account status or payment
  • Same fee every month—flat rate by type of use
  • Common practice for required service
  • Streamlined access to County data may assist in requested evaluation of residential rate structure 


Learn more about the proposed billing change through this series of Frequently Asked Questions:

If your community or business organization is interesting in learning more, Monterey One Water team members are available to present on the change to the Agency's billing process and answer questions. Please contact Mike McCullough, Director of External Affairs, to schedule.

Email: mikem@my1water.org

Phone: 831-645-4618