On April 23, 2024, a rate study report was presented to the Board for South Feather Water and Power Agency.  This report evaluated our current rate structure and actual costs to provide service. The report also factored in the last volumetric rate increase in 1993 (31 years) and aging infrastructure capital improvement needs.

• At the April 23rd meeting no decisions were made. The board listened to the presentation and public input.
• The Board will have additional public meetings to gather more information with time dedicated for public participation.
• If you wish to view the information presented to the board please click here:  2024 Water Rate Study 

Below we will update the list as new meetings are scheduled:

•Public Workshop: June 11, 2024 - 6:00pm

•Workshop Handouts: 2024 Water Rate Workshop Materials

At the March 25, 2025 Board Meeting the Board approved moving forward with rate change shown below. The Board’s decision then begins a Proposition 218 process which allows customers a vehicle to protest the proposed change. If more than 50% of the properties within South Feather’s boundaries oppose the rate change, the rate hike cannot continue. Please see the Prop 218 Notice listed below for additional processes and information.

Rate Increase Procedure:

The first step in the process is to mail notifications to every customer of the district. Each customer will receive an explanation letter, a protest form and an objection form if they wish to formally protest these must be returned to South Feather before the deadline.

Second, the Agency will hold a public hearing on June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., to receive public feedback, including written protests, on the proposed rate change.

Third, Proposition 218 is subject to a "majority protest" process where any property owner or ratepayer may submit one written protest per parcel subject to the proposed increase. Immediately following the close of the public hearing on June 26, 2025, all submitted protests will be counted and if a majority of the parcels subject to the proposed rate increases have submitted valid protests, then the rates will not be levied, and the Agency will continue to charge its current water rates. Additional details on submitting a protest are set forth below.

Fourth, parties that wish to preserve the ability to legally challenge the rate change must submit a timely written objection by 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025. This is known as Proposition 218's exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement and is a separate legal requirement from the written protest. Prior to the public hearing on June 26, 2025, the Agency's Board of Directors will review written objections and determine whether (1) amendments or clarifications are necessary; (2) to reduce the proposed new rates; (3) to review further prior to making a determination; and/or (4) to proceed with the public hearing.

Every written protest must include all the following to the counted:

1.  A statement against the proposed water rates;
2.  Name of the record owner or ratepayer who is submitting the protest; 
3.  Identification of the assessor's parcel number or street address (service address) of the parcel for which  protest is made; and 
4.  An original signature and legibly printed name of the record owner or ratepayer who is submitting the protest.

Written protests may be submitted by:

1.  Mail to: Proposition 218 Protest, 2310 Oro Quincy Highway, Oroville, CA 95966; or 
2.  In-person delivery during normal business hours to 2310 Oro Quincy Highway, Oroville, CA; or 
3. In-person prior to the close of the public hearing that will begin at 2:00 p.m. on June 26, 2025.

You can download the Proposition 218 documents here: 

Prop 218 Written Objection Form

Prop 218 Protest Form

Prop 218 Notice 2025