What is Proposition 218?

In 1996, California voters adopted Proposition 218 (Prop 218), which added article XIII D to the state Constitution.  Local government agencies such as the Joshua Basin Water District (District) must comply with Prop 218 when proposing new or increased water charges.  The District must mail a notice of the proposed charges to its customers, including the amount or basis for calculating the water charges.  No sooner than 45 days after mailing the notice, the agency must hold a hearing at one of its public meetings and consider any comments made by members of the community.  The District also must consider the number of protests submitted by property owners and water account holders.  If valid protests are submitted for a majority (50% + 1) of properties served by the District, then the District cannot adopt the proposed water charges.   

In 2023, the Board of Directors underwent a rate study with Bartle Wells Associates and a Proposition 218 process. On 02/15/23, they adopted the maximum rate scenario "A" rates through Resolution 23-1052. However, the board opted to implement the lower rates from scenario "C" for billing effective 03/01/23 until further notice.