A coalition including the Association of California Water Agencies, the California State Association of Counties, and the League of California Cities has filed a constitutional amendment that would create a new, optional funding method local agencies could use at their discretion to finance stormwater, flood control, and other water-related projects, and pursue conservation-based water rates or lifeline rates for low-income households.
The measure was submitted to the Attorney General’s office on December 14, 2015 for title and summary as a potential statewide ballot initiative. According to the coalition, the proposed constitutional amendment is designed to enhance the ability of local agencies to finance stormwater capture and flood control infrastructure, provide more flexibility for the voluntary establishment of conservation-based rates, and to allow agencies, at their discretion, to implement lifeline rates for low-income households.
Specifically, the measure would amend Article X of the California Constitution to create the optional mechanism, which local agencies would not be required to utilize. It includes strict accountability and transparency requirements for any local agency that chooses to avail itself of the new funding method.
Article X of the state Constitution deals specifically with management of the state’s water supplies. The proposed amendment seeks to create an optional funding method in Article X while at the same preserving the ability for public agencies to continue establishing rates under existing law found in Article XIII D. The proposal is structured to maximize the discretion of local agencies to set rates that work for their constituencies.
Coalition members intend to make a determination in the coming months whether to proceed with the measure. The coalition also intends to pursue a legislative strategy in early 2016. The measure as submitted can be accessed here.