Water and sewer rate increases proposed in October to take effect in 2026 for Oceanside residents and businesses were cut in half Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council, but only for a year. Water department employees initially asked for increases of 6% for water and 4% for sewer in 2026 and again in 2027, but the council pushed for belt-tightening and postponed a decision after complaints from residents at the Oct. 1 meeting. The revised proposal, approved 3-2 Wednesday with Mayor Esther Sanchez and Councilmember Rick Robinson opposed, calls for a 3% hike for water and 2% for sewer in 2026 and then the 6% and 4% increases in 2027.

Other water rate news:

• Times of San Diego: Opinion: Why the region’s agricultural water rate is good for everyone
• The Voice of San Diego: Opinion: Is there enough sewage to go around in San Diego?