GUSTINE, Calif. — The Gustine City Council has approved an agreement to extend the city’s water and sewer rate study, ensuring that utility rates are aligned with current and future costs of providing essential services to residents. The decision was made during the April 15 council meeting, following a recommendation from city staff.

The approved resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute an addendum with Harris & Associates, the firm originally hired in late 2023 to conduct the rate study. The extension, known as Amendment No. 1, updates the project timeline and includes a cost escalation of $13,440. This adjustment will allow the study to resume after a pause earlier this year to incorporate updates to the city’s infrastructure maps and capital improvement plans.

City officials emphasized that maintaining up-to-date rate schedules is critical for covering the costs of water and sewer services without placing undue financial strain on the city’s budget or taxpayers.

“The study ensures we are prepared for future expenses and can adequately fund critical infrastructure,” city staff noted. “This is about planning responsibly to maintain reliable services for our community.”

The fiscal impact of the agreement remains neutral, as funds for the study were already budgeted for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Any remaining funds from that period will roll over into the 2025–2026 budget to cover the additional costs outlined in the amendment.

The extension will allow Harris & Associates to complete their analysis and provide updated recommendations to the city. Officials noted that no water or sewer rate increases were implemented on July 1, 2024, due to the pause in the study, but the resumed efforts will help guide future adjustments to ensure the city’s utilities remain sustainable.

With the agreement now in place, work on the updated water and sewer rate study is set to proceed, paving the way for informed decision-making on Gustine’s essential services.