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P.O. BOX 3130 • CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA 90703-3130 •
PHONE: {562) 860-031 1 • CERRITOS.GOV
AGENDA REPORT
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Robert A. Lopez, City ~ ana
Pam Lee, City Attorne
Cynthia Nava, City Cler
August 24, 2026
2008
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A
RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING
ADOPTED PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING, TABULATING, AND
VALIDATING WRITTEN PROTESTS TO PROPOSED WATER AND
SEWER PROPERTY-RELATED FEES AND CHARGES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In accordance with City Council direction originally provided on April 13, 2026, the following report is presented for consideration of revised procedures for receiving, tabulating, and validating written protests to proposed rates or charges, for any future Proposition 218 fee or rate adjustment process. The City's existing procedures were adopted on July 24, 2014 (Resolution No. 2014- 22). A resolution including amended procedures for receiving, tabulating, and validating written protests is attached to this report as Attachment A. A detailed description of the recommended amendments is provided in this agenda report.
BACKGROUND
On February 9, 2026, a request was made to initiate the validation process of the written protests submitted for the January 26, 2026 Proposition 218 public hearing for consideration of water and sewer rate adjustments. The validation process was completed, and on April 13, 2026, an agenda report was presented to the City Council containing information regarding the validation of written protests (Attachment B). Resolution No. 2014-22 (existing procedures) was provided as Exhibit 1 of the April 13, 2026 agenda report. This report was requested to be presented to the City Council by then Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama and Mayor Pro Tern Lynda Provido Johnson on April 2, 2026, in accordance with provisions of the City of Cerritos Guidebook for Elected and Appointed Officials. During the validation process, City staff identified an opportunity for refinement and increased clarity for future procedures.
FINDINGS Under Proposition 218 (CA Constitution, Article XIIID, Section 6), the City of Cerritos is required to conduct a public hearing for certain property-related user fees, assessments, and charges, prior to the creation of or increase in those fees, assessments, and charges.
To improve clarity, transparency, administrative efficiency, and legal compliance, while preserving the substantive rights of property owners to submit written protests in LYNDA P. JOHNSON
MAYOR
MARR E. PULIDO
MAYOR PRO TEM
JENNIFER HONG
COUNCILMEMBER
SOPHIA M. TSE
COUNCILMEMBER
FRANK AURELIO YO KOY AMA
COUNCILMEMBER
2 Resolution - Amended Proposition 218 Procedures
August 24, 2026
opposition to the imposition of any new or increase to any existing fees, staff recommend the adoption of certain updated procedures, as listed below (deletions are noted with ftafid-zcd strikethrougR text and additions are noted with bold, italicized font). SECTION 1. Notice of Public Hearing Pursuant to Proposition 218, the City is required to hold and conduct a public hearing whenever it proposes to impose a new or an increase in any existing property-related fee or charge for any water or sewer property-related service. (a) The City shall provide notice by mail of the public hearing for the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge required under Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution to utility customers and/or property owners of record at the mailing address on file with the City or on the latest Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll fi-1-c w-ith tRe Qty, for each identified parcel upon which the property-related fee or charge is proposed for imposition. Property ownership shall be deemed to include tenancies of real property where tenants are directly liable to pay the assessment, fee, or charge in question, in accordance with Article XIIID, Section 2 of the California Constitution.
(b) Notice shall be provided at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the public hearing on the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing propertyrelated fee or charge. (c) Failure of any person to receive notice does not invalidate the proceedings.
SECTION 2. Submission of Written Protests
Any property owner or utility customer of record, as defined in Section 1., may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new, or any increase to any existing fee.
Any written protest shall be delivered by mail or in person to the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, First Floor, Cerritos, CA 90703, by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the public hearing, or by submitting the written protest at the public hearing.
Written protests must be received prior to the close of the public hearing at which the City Council will consider the adoption of the proposed new or increase to the existing fee. (a) All written protests must be received by the City Clerk, or designee(s), prior to the close of the public hearing at which the City Council will consider the adoption of the proposed new or increase to the existing fee. Written protests need not be submitted in sealed in envelopes. Any written protest submitted in a sealed envelope shall be removed from the envelope by the City Clerk, or designee, at the time of submission, in preparation for the cursory review. Written protests shall be maintained in confidence by the Office of the City Clerk until after the conclusion of the public hearing and tabulation and/or validation process. (b) Executors, administrators, and guardians may submit a written protest on behalf of the estate/trust/entity represented by them. If such representatives are shown on the latest property tax assessment roll as paying taxes and assessments on behalf of the property owner(s), that fact establishes the right of such representative( s) to submit a written protest. If such representatives are not shown on the latest Los Angeles County property tax 3 Resolution - Amended Proposition 218 Procedures
August 24, 2026
SECTION 2. Submission of Written Protests (continued)
(b) (continued)
assessment roll as of the date of the public hearing, the representatives must file with the City Clerk, or designee, prior to the close of the public hearing, certified copies of the written documentation establishing the legal representation. Written protests submitted by executors, administrators, or guardians not named on the latest Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll shall be accompanied by supporting documentation as set forth herein, by the close of the public hearing. Such documentation will become property of the City and shall be retained by the City for the duration of the State and City-required retention period and will be lawfully destroyed thereafter.
(c) The written protest of any public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, homeowners association, or unincorporated association may be signed by any person so authorized in writing by the board of directors or trustees or other managing body thereof. Written protests submitted by any public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, or unincorporated association must be accompanied by supporting documentation as set forth herein, prior to the close of the public hearing.
(d) The City Manager is designated as the representative with respect to Cityowned property. (e) Any protest submitted to and received by the City Clerk, or designee, by electronic mail or other electronic means shall not be accepted as a written protest. (f) Any written protest received by the City after the close of the public hearing, even if postmarked prior to that time, shall not be accepted as a written protest or considered by the City in determining whether a majority protest exists.
SECTION 3. Form of Written Protest
Any protest submitted to the City by a property owner or utility customer of record, as listed on the Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll or City utility customer database as of the close of the public hearing shall:
(a) be in writing and identify the legibly printed full, legal name (as listed on the City's utility customer or assessment roll record) and legal interest of the person protesting.
(b) identify the affected property by street address, including house number, street name and suffix, and unit number (if applicable).
(c) include the original ("wet") signature of the person authorized to submit a protest a pFoperty owReF eF utility custerneF ef record; and (d) have a clear indication of protest of the new or increased fees. 4 Resolution - Amended Proposition 218 Procedures
August 24, 2026
SECTION 4. Multiple Protests Will Not be Counted for One Parcel If a parcel receiving a property-related service from the City has more than one property owner or utility customer of record, each such property owner or utility customer of record may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge; however, only one written protest submitted and received by the City pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Resolution will be counted per parcel in accordance with California Government Code Scctiofl § 53755(b), as such section may be amended from time to time. Any one written protest submitted in accordance with these rules will be sufficient to count as a written protest for that parcel.
SECTION 5. Withdrawal of Written Protest
Any person who submits a written protest may withdraw the written protest by submitting a written request that the protest be withdrawn. Any such request may be made in person at the public hearing or submitted to the Office of the City Clerk, and shall be made prior to the close of the public hearing. The withdrawal of a protest shall:
(a) contain sufficient information to identify the affected parcel by street address, including house number, street name and suffix, and unit number (if applicable); and
(b) include the legibly printed name and original signature of the property owner or utility customer of record who submitted both the protest and the request that it be withdrawn. Only the person who submits a written protest may withdraw it.
SECTION 6. Public Hearing is Not an Election
The public hearing and protest required under Article XIIID, Section 6(a) of the California Constitution (Proposition 218) prior to the adoption of a new or increase to any existing fee is not an election.
SECTION 7. Transparency, Confidentiality, and Disclosure To ensure transparency and accountability in the fee protest tabulation while protecting the privacy rights of property owners and utility customers-of record, protests will be maintained in confidence until tabulation begins following the public hearing. Oflcc a protest is opened dtJring the tabuf-ation, it becomes a disc.'os-able public reeo,'¥1, as required b;• state law. At the conclusion of the protest tabulation and validation process (if validation is required), the written protests ( excluding estate certification records) and certain resources used to analyze the protests are deemed public records subject to public disclosure. Written protests shall be retained by the City for the duration of the State and City-required retention period, after which time protests will be destroyed.
SECTION 8. Oral Comments
Oral comments made at a public hearing for the consideration of the adoption of any new or increase to any fee shall not qualify as a formal written protest unless accompanied by a signed, written protest in conformance with this Resolution and these procedures. However, the City Council welcomes input from the community during the public hearing on any proposed new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge. 5 Resolution - Amended Proposition 218 Procedures
August 24, 2026
SECTION 9. Validity of Written Protest
The City Clerk, or designee, shall determine the validity of all written protests. The City Clerk, or designee, shall not accept as valid any written protest if the City Clerk, or designee, determines that any of the following conditions exist:
(a) The written protest does not identify a parcel of property of which utilities are served by the City.
(b) The written protest is illegible such that the City Clerk, or designee, is unable to verify the identified signatory.
(c) The written protest does not bear an original ("wet") signature of a property owner or utility customer of record; a certified executor, administrator, or guardian of an estate; or an authorized person, on behalf of a public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, homeowners association, or unincorporated association, for the parcel identified on the written protest. (d) The written protest does not state it is being submitted in protest to the proposed new or increase to the existing City of Cerritos fee.
(e) The written protest was not received by the City Clerk, or designee, before the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee. (f) A request to withdraw a written protest is received by the City Clerk, or designee, prior to the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
(g)The written protest identifies a parcel for which another written protest has already been received.
(h) In any case where the documentation provided to the City Clerk, or designee, is ambiguous or unclear, the City Attorney's Office will determine whether documentation is adequate for the purpose provided.
SECTION 10. Final Action
The City Clerk's decision regarding the validity of a written protest shall constitute a final action of the City and shall not be subject to any internal appeal.
SECTION 11. Cursory Review
The City Clerk, or designee(s), may begin a cursory review at any time a written protest is received; however, the review shall not be completed until the close of the public hearing and consideration of any written request to withdraw a written protest. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Clerk, or designee, shall complete the cursory review of all written protests received, including those received during the public hearing, and shall report the results of the review to the City Council upon completion. If cursory review of the written protests received demonstrates that the number received is obviously substantially fewer than one-half of the parcels served by the City with respect to the fee which is the subject of the protest, then the City Clerk, or designee, may advise the City Council of the absence of a majority protest without determining the validity of all protests and tabulating the protests. The estimated total number of written protests submitted by the end of the previous business day will be disclosed to any interested party. 6 Resolution - Amended Proposition 218 Procedures
August 24, 2026
SECTION 12. Final Tabulation and Validation
1fl the c·reRt that If, upon a cursory review of the written protests received it appears that the number received is not less than one-half of the parcels served subject to the proposed charge, thcfr-the City Clerk, or designee, shall proceed to tabulate the written protests and assess their validity. Additional time may be required to either complete the tabulation, or the validation of the written protests submitted by the conclusion of the public hearing. If at the conclusion of the public hearing the City Clerk, or designee, determines that additional time will be needed to tabulate and/or validate the protests, the City Clerk shall advise the City Council to adjourn the item to allow the tabulation and/or validation to be completed. If necessary stJ, the City Council shall declare the time and place of tabulation, which shall be conducted in a place where interested members of the public may observe the tabulation. If necessary, validation will occur at a separate location. ifflti-Tile City Council shall also declare the time at which the meeting shall be resumed to receive and act on the tabulation and/or validation report.
SECTION 13. Majority Protest
A majority protest exists if written protests are timely submitted and not withdrawn by the property owners et, or customers of record with respect to, a majority (50% plus one) of the parcels subject to the proposed charge. While the City may inform the public of the number of parcels ser~•ed by the City subject to the proposed charge when a notice of proposed rates is mailed, the number of parcels with iteffi'e customer accounts served by the City on the date of the hearing shall control in determining whether a majority protest exists.
RECOMMENDATION
It is staff's recommendation the City Council:
1. Review and discuss the information provided in this report and open public comment; and
2. Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR
RECEIVING, TABULATING, AND VALIDATING WRITTEN PROTESTS TO WATER AND SEWER PROPER1Y-RELATED FEES AND CHARGES; or
3. Provide alternate direction to staff.
Attachment List
A. Proposed Amended Resolution
B. Agenda Report - Written Protest Validation (presented April 13, 2026) 7 CITY OF CERRITOS
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING,
TABULATING, AND VALIDATING WRITTEN PROTESTS TO WATER
AND SEWER PROPERTY-RELATED FEES AND CHARGES
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, Article XIIID, Section 6 (Proposition 218) requires the City of Cerritos (the City) to consider written protests to the imposition of any new, or increases to any existing, water and sewer property-related fees and charges (herein after "fees"); and
WHEREAS, Proposition 218 does not specifically set forth rules concerning the method by which written protests are to be submitted to the City in opposition to the imposition of any new or increase to any existing fees, or how the City is to tabulate the protests; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 53755 provides some direction on the method of tabulating written protests submitted in opposition to the imposition of any new or any increase to fees; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to have a clear and open process for submitting and tabulating written protests for its property-related fees and charges; and WHEREAS, on July 24, 2014, the Cerritos City Council adopted Resolution No. 2014-22, establishing procedures for receiving and tabulating written protests to water and sewer property-related fees and charges; and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 2026, the City Council directed staff to initiate a validation process to verify the validity of written protests submitted for the January 26, 2026 public hearing conducted to consider water and sewer rate adjustments; and WHEREAS, on April 13, 2026, the City Council reviewed the results of the validation process and directed staff to promulgate revised procedures for receiving, tabulating, and validating written protests to proposed rates or charges, for any future rate adjustment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE that the following amended procedures are hereby adopted for submitting written protests against any proposed new or increase to any existing fees:
SECTION 1. Notice of Public Hearing. Pursuant to Proposition 218, the City is required to hold and conduct a public hearing whenever it proposes to impose a new or increase any existing property-related fee or charge for any water or sewer propertyrelated service. (a) The City shall provide notice by mail of the public hearing for the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge required under Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution to utility customers and/or property owners of record at the mailing address on file with the City or on the latest Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll, for each identified parcel upon which the property-related fee or charge is proposed for imposition. Property ownership shall be deemed to include tenancies of real property where tenants are directly liable to pay Attachment A
8 the assessment, fee, or charge in question, in accordance with Article XIIID, Section 2 of the California Constitution. (b) Notice shall be provided at least forty-five ( 45) days prior to the date of the public hearing on the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge. (c) Failure of any person to receive notice does not invalidate the proceedings.
SECTION 2. Submission of Written Protests. Any property owner or utility customer of record, as defined in Section 1, may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new or any increase to an existing fee. Any written protest shall be delivered by mail or in person to the Office of the City Clerk, at City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, First Floor, Cerritos, CA 90703, by 5:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing, or by submitting the written protest at the public hearing. Written protests must be received prior to the close of the public hearing at which the City Council will consider the adoption of the proposed new or increase to the existing fee. (a) All written protests shall be submitted and must be received by the City Clerk, or designee(s), prior to the close of the public hearing. Written protests need not be submitted in sealed in envelopes. Any written protest submitted in a sealed envelope shall be removed from the envelope by the City Clerk, or designee, at the time of submission, in preparation for the cursory review. Written protests shall be maintained in confidence by the Office of the City Clerk until after the conclusion of the public hearing and tabulation and/or validation process.
(b) Executors, administrators, and guardians may submit a written protest on behalf of the estate/trust/entity represented by them. If such representatives are shown on the latest property tax assessment roll as paying taxes and assessments on behalf of the property owner(s), that fact establishes the right of such representative(s) to submit a written protest. If such representatives are not shown on the latest Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll as of the date of the public hearing, the representatives must file with the City Clerk, or designee, prior to the close of the public hearing, certified copies of the written documentation establishing the legal representation. Written protests submitted by executors, administrators, or guardians not named on the latest Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll shall be accompanied by supporting documentation as set forth herein, by the close of the public hearing. Such documentation will become property of the City and shall be retained by the City for the duration of the State and City-required retention period and will be lawfully destroyed thereafter.
(c) The written protest of any public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, homeowners association, or unincorporated association may be signed by any person so authorized in writing by the board of directors or trustees or other managing body thereof. Written protests submitted by any public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, or unincorporated association must be accompanied by supporting documentation as set forth herein, prior to the close of the public hearing. (d) The City Manager is designated as the representative with respect to Cityowned property. (e) Any protest submitted to and received by the City Clerk, or designee, by electronic mail or other electronic means shall not be accepted as a written protest pursuant to this Resolution and these procedures.
9 (f) Any written protest received by the City after the close of the public hearing, even if postmarked prior to that time, shall not be accepted as a written protest or considered by the City in determining whether a majority protest exists.
SECTION 3. Form of Written Protest. Any protest submitted to the City by a property owner or utility customer of record, as listed on the Los Angeles County property tax assessment roll or City utility customer database as of the close of the public hearing shall:
(a) be in writing and identify the legibly printed full, legal name (as listed on the City's utility customer or assessment roll record) and legal interest of the person protesting;
(b) identify the affected property by street address, including house number, street name and suffix, and unit number (if applicable); (c) include the original ("wet") signature of the person authorized to submit a protest; and
(d) have a clear indication of protest of the new or increased fees.
SECTION 4. Multiple Protests Will Not be Counted for One Parcel. If a parcel receiving a property-related service from the City has more than one property owner or utility customer of record, each such property owner of record may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge; however, only one written protest submitted and received by the City pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Resolution will be counted per parcel in accordance with California Government Code § 53755(b), as such section may be amended from time to time. Any one written protest submitted in accordance with these rules will be sufficient to count as a written protest for that parcel.
SECTION 5. Withdrawal of Written Protest. Any person who submits a written protest may withdraw the written protest by submitting a written request that the protest be withdrawn. Any such request may be made in person at the public hearing or submitted to the Office of the City Clerk, and shall be made prior to the close of the public hearing. The withdrawal of a protest shall:
(a) contain sufficient information to identify the affected parcel by street address, including house number, street name and suffix, and unit number (if applicable); and (b) include the legibly printed name and original signature of the property owner or utility customer of record who submitted both the protest and the request that it be withdrawn. Only the person who submits a written protest may withdraw it.
SECTION 6. Public Hearing is Not an Election. The public hearing and protest required under Article XIIID, Section 6(a) of the California Constitution (Proposition 218) prior to the adoption of a new or increase to any existing fee is not an election.
SECTION 7. Transparency, Confidentiality, and Disclosure. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fee protest tabulation while protecting the privacy rights of property owners and utility customers of record, protests will be maintained in 10 confidence until tabulation begins following the public hearing. At the conclusion of the protest tabulation and validation process (if validation is required), the written protests (excluding estate certification records) and certain resources used to analyze the protests are deemed public records subject to public disclosure. Written protests shall be retained by the City for the duration of the State and City-required retention period, after which time protests will be destroyed.
SECTION 8. Oral Comments. Oral comments made at a public hearing for the consideration of the adoption of any new or increase to any fee shall not qualify as a formal written protest unless accompanied by a signed, written protest in conformance with this Resolution and these procedures. However, the City Council welcomes input from the community during the public hearing on any proposed new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following procedures are hereby adopted for tabulating written protests against the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing fee:
SECTION 9. Validity of Protests. The City Clerk, or designee, shall determine the validity of all protests. The City Clerk, or designee, shall not accept as valid any written protest if the City Clerk, or designee, determines that any of the following conditions exist:
(a) The written protest does not identify a parcel of property of which utilities are served by the City.
(b) The written protest is illegible such that the City Clerk, or designee, is unable to verify the identified signatory.
(c) The written protest does not bear an original ("wet") signature of a property owner or utility customer of record; a certified executor, administrator, or guardian of an estate; or an authorized person, on behalf of a public or quasi-public corporation, private corporation, homeowners association, or unincorporated association, for the parcel identified on the written protest.
(d) The written protest does not state it is being submitted in protest to the proposed new or increase to the existing City of Cerritos fee. (e) The written protest was not received by the City Clerk, or designee, before the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
(f) A request to withdraw a written protest is received by the City Clerk, or designee, prior to the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
(g) The written protest identifies a parcel for which another written protest has already been received.
(h) In any case where the documentation provided to the City Clerk, or designee, is ambiguous or unclear, the City Attorney's Office will determine whether documentation is adequate for the purpose provided.
11 SECTION 10. Final Action. The City Clerk's decision regarding the validity of a written protest shall constitute a final action of the City and shall not be subject to any internal appeal.
SECTION 11. Cursory Review. The City Clerk, or designee(s), may begin a cursory review at any time a written protest is received; however, the review shall not be completed until the close of the public hearing and consideration of any written request to withdraw a written protest. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Clerk, or designee, shall complete the cursory review of all written protests received, including those received during the public hearing and shall report the results of the review to the City Council upon completion. If cursory review of the written protests received demonstrates that the number received is obviously substantially fewer than one-half of the parcels served by the City with respect to the fee which is the subject of the protest, then the City Clerk, or designee, may advise the City Council of the absence of a majority protest without determining the validity of all protests and tabulating the protests. The estimated total number of written protests submitted by the end of the previous business day will be disclosed to any interested party.
SECTION 12. Final Tabulation and Validation. If, upon a cursory review of the written protests received it appears that the number received is not less than onehalf of the parcels subject to the proposed charge, the City Clerk, or designee, shall proceed to tabulate the written protests and assess their validity. Additional time may be required to either complete the tabulation, or the validation of the written protests submitted by the conclusion of the public hearing. If at the conclusion of the public hearing the City Clerk, or designee, determines that additional time will be needed to tabulate the protests, the City Clerk shall advise the City Council to adjourn the item to allow the tabulation and/or validation to be completed. If necessary, the City Council shall declare the time and place of tabulation, which shall be conducted in a place where interested members of the public may observe the tabulation. If necessary, validation will occur at a separate location. The City Council shall also declare the time at which the meeting shall be resumed to receive and act on the tabulation and/or validation report.
SECTION 13. Majority Protest. A majority protest exists if written protests are timely submitted and not withdrawn by the property owners or customers of record with respect to, a majority (50% plus one) of the parcels subject to the proposed charge.
While the City may inform the public of the number of parcels subject to the proposed charge when a notice of proposed rates is mailed, the number of parcels with customer accounts served by the City on the date of the hearing shall control in determining whether a majority protest exists.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 24th day of August, 2026.
Lynda Provido Johnson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk
12 Cerritos gc
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\) /""::; CIVIC Cl2mR • 18125 BLOOMl'll'.U) AVMUE , 1111 ' "-.._j P.O. BOX 5150 • CERRITOS, CALil"ORNIA 90705-5150 PHONE: (562) 660-0511 • www.ceRRITOS.US
TO:
FROM:
INITTATED BY:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
BACKGROUND
AGENDA REPORT
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Robert A. Lopez, City M~n J.tL,,
Pam Lee, City Attorne'{NJ
Cynthia Nava, City Cler
Alicia Alvarez, Assistant City Clerk--AAApril 13, 2026 2008
REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF AN INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE VALIDATION OF WRITTEN PROTESTS SUBMITTED FOR THE JANUARY 26, 2026, PROPOSITION 218
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED WATER
AND SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENTS
In accordance with the City of Cerritos Guidebook for Elected and Appointed Officials, this agenda report was requested by Mayor Yokoyama and Mayor Pro Tern Johnson on April 2, 2026.
On October 27, 2025, the City Council adopted the findings of the 2025 Water and Sewer Rate Study, prepared by the City's Independent financial consultant, Water Resources Economics, LLC, to provide a five-year financial roadmap designed to stabilize the City's water and sewer utlllty funds and ensure the City can meet Its operational and infrastructure obligations through 2030. In conformance with california Proposition 218, the City Council also set a Proposition 218 Public Hearing date of January 26, 2026, to consider proposed annual rate adjustments for water and sewer services over a five-year period from Fiscal Year 2025-26 through Fiscal Year 2029-30. State law and City Council Resolution No. 2014-22 (Exhibit 1) mandate that formal notices be delivered to the affected utility customers and/or property owners of record at least 45 days prior to the public hearing.
On November 13, 2025, the City mailed 21,607 Notices of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments (Exhibit 2) to all affected utility customers and property owners using a comprehensive database derived from Los Angeles County Assessor ownership records and then-current City billing data. These notices informed property owners/utility customers of the proposed rates and their right to submit written protests.
January 26, 2026 Public Hearing and Written Protest Tabulation The City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider proposed water and sewer rate adjustments on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Attachment B
13 Validation of Written Protests
April 13, 2026
At the close of the January 26, 2026 Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments, the City Clerk, upon cursory review of the written protests, reported that 6,400 protests were received, that the number was manifestly less than one-half of the eligible parcels (Total eligible parcels: 15,148 water; 14,998 sewer), and that there was an absence of a majority protest. In the absence of a majority protest, further review and validation of the written protests were not required at that time. Consequently, the City Council proceeded to take lawful action adopting updates to the City's water and sewer rates.
Initiation of Validation of Written Protests
At the Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting, the City Council, by consensus, directed the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to initiate the validation process of the Proposition 218 written protests submitted for the Monday, January 26, 2026, Proposition 218 public hearing. Specifically, the City Council requested a report of the results of the validation {number of "valid" and "invalid" written protests received) to be distributed to the City Council within sixty (60) days, by Tuesday, April 10, 2026.
The Office of the City Clerk, as a neutral and impartial party in the matter, assumed primary project management responsibilities for the validation process, overseeing written protest tracking, data entry, and the validation (or invalidation) of written protests received.
Authority over the validation of written protests is also expressly assigned to the City Clerk in City of Cerritos Resolution No. 2014-22. Additionally, as the City's official custodian of records, written protests were maintained and processed under the supervision of only the City Clerk and limited, deputized staff.
Support for the validation process was provided by City staff in the Admlnlstrative Services Department and Innovation and Technology Division at the direction of the City Manager.
Support was also provided by the City Attorney in matters requiring legal advice and review of Trustees' Certificate of Trust documentation.
Criteria for the validation of written protests are outlined in City of Cerritos Resolution No. 2014-22.
Prior to the deadline given for completion of the validation process, the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk provided the City Council with a memorandum presenting the findings of the validation process on April 1, 2026.
FINDINGS
During the validation process, the Office of the City Clerk tabulated 6,403 written protests received for the January 26, 2026 Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments. The minor discrepancy between this total and the total as reported at the close of the public hearing (6,400) can be explained by three (3) written protests which, upon further examination, listed multiple addresses within each document.
To qualify as a valid written protest under established procedures and criteria for validation, written protests for the January 26, 2026 public hearing must have:
1. Been received by the Office of the City Clerk prior to the close of the public hearing on January 26, 2026;
2 14
Validation of Written Protests
April 13, 2026
2. Been submitted in writing and identified the legibly printed name and legal interest of the person protesting;
3. Identified the affected property by street address (or APN);
4. Included the original signature of a property owner or utility customer of record; and
5. Noted a clear indication of protest of the new or increased fees.
It should also be noted that multiple written protests received for the same parcel were counted only once. If a parcel receiving a property-related service from the City has more than one property owner or utility customer of record, any such property owner or utility customer of record was eligible to submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of the increase to existing property-related fees; however, only one (1) written protest submitted and received by the City was counted per parcel in accordance with California Government Code § 53755(b) and City of Cerritos Resolution No. 2014-22.
Upon completion of the validation process, staff thereby determined the following:
WATER
Number of nllsl written protests:
Number of jnvaljd written protests:
Total:
SEWER
Number of valid written protests:
Number of invalid written protests:
Total:
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
4,800
1,603
6,403
4,656
1,747
6,403
Proposition 218 provides the minimum standards and procedures for consideration of fees and rate ~djustments but affords local governments discretion over rules concerning the method by which written protests are to be submitted to the City in opposition to the imposition of any new or increase to any existing fees, and how the City is to tabulate the protests. California Government Code Section 53755 provides minimal direction on the method of tabulating written protests submitted in opposition to the imposition of any new or any increase to fees.
The City Council, consequently, adopted more explicit procedures for receiving, tabulating, and validating written protests to water and sewer property-related fees and charges on July 24, 2014 (Resolution No. 2014-22). Opportunities for further clarification related to Proposition 218 processes and procedures arose during the 202S-2026 water and sewer rate adjustment process described in this agenda report, largely with respect to the legibility of submitted written protests and the level of manual review required to validate written protests in accordance with statutory requirements. While the City conducted the Proposition 218 protest process in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, these observations highlight areas for potential procedural refinement and increased clarity in future processes.
3 15
Validation of Written Protests
April 13, 2026
Page4
RECOMMENDATION
It is staff's recommendation the City council:
1. Review and discuss the information provided in this report and open public comment; and
2. Direct staff to prepare, for City Council consideration at a future publicly noticed meeting, revised procedures for receiving, tabulating, and validating written protests to proposed rates or charges, for any future fee or rate adjustment; or
3. Provide alternate direction to staff.
Exhibit List
1. Resolution No. 2014-22
2. Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments 4 16
CITY OF CERRITOS
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-22
RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING AND
TABULATING WRITTEN PROTESTS TO WATER AND SEWER PROPERTYRELATED FEES AND CHARGES WHEREAS, the California Constitution, Article XIIID, Section 6 (Proposition 218) requires the City of Cerritos (the City) to consider written protests to the imposition of any new, or increases to any existing, water and sewer propertyrelated fees and charges (herein after "fees"); and WHEREAS, Proposition 218 does not specrficalfy set forth rules concerning the method by which written protests are to be submitted to the City in opposition to the imposition of any new or increase to any existing fees, or how the City is to tabulate the protests; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 53755 provides some direction on the method of tabulating written protests submitted In opposition to the imposition of any new or any increase to fees; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to have a clear and open process for submitting and tabulating written protests for its property-related fees and charges.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE that the following procedures are hereby adopted for submitting written protests against any proposed new or increase to any existing fees:
SECTION 1. Notice of Public Hearing. Pursuant to Proposition 218, the City is required to hold and conduct a public hearing whenever it proposes to impose a new or Increase any existing property•related fee or charge for any water or sewer property-related service.
{a) The City shall provide notice by mail of the public hearing for the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property related fee or charge required under Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution to utility customers of record at the mailing address on file with the City, for each identified parcel upon which the property-related fee or charge is proposed for Imposition. (b) Notice shall be provided at least forty~five ( 45) days prior to the date of the public hearing on the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge.
SECTION 2. Submission of Written Protests. Any property owner or utility customer of record may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new or any increase to any existing fee. Any written protest shall be delivered by mail or in person to the City Clerk, at City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, First Floor, Cerritos, CA 90703, or by submitting the written protest at the public hearing.
Written protests must be received prior to the close of the public hearing at which the City Council will consider the adoption of the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
EXHIBIT 1
5 17
(a) All wrltten protests shall be submitted and must be received by the City Clerk prior to the close of the public hearing. (b) Any protest submitted to and received by the City Clerk by electronic mall or other electronic means shall not be accepted as a written protest pursuant to this Resolution and these procedures. (c) Any written protest received by the City after the close of the public hearing, even if postmarked prior to that time, shall not be accepted as a written protest or considered by the City in determining whether a majority protest exists.
SECTION 3. Form of Written Protest. Any protest submitted to the City by a property owner or utility customer of record shall:
(a) be in writing and Identify the legibly printed name and legal interest of the person protesting;
(b) identify the affected property by street address;
{c) include the original signature of a property owner or utlllty customer of record; and (d) have a clear Indication of protest of the new or increased fees.
SECTION 4. Multiple Protests WIii Not be Counted for One Parcel. If a parcel receiving a property-related service from the City has more than one property owner or utility customer of record, each such property owner or utility customer of record may submit a written protest to the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge; however, only one written protest submitted and received by the City pursuant to the procedures set forth In this Resolution will be counted per parcel in accordance with California Government Code Section 53755(b), as such section may be amended from time to time. Any one written protest submitted In accordance with these rules will be sufficient to count as a wrltten protest for that parcel.
SECTION s. Withdrawal of Written Protest. Any person who submits a written protest may withdraw the written protest by submitting a written request that the protest be withdrawn. Any such request may be made In person at the public hearing or submitted to the City Clerk, and shall be made prior to the close of the public hearing. The withdrawal of a protest shall:
(a) contain sufficient information to identify the affected parcel by street address; {b) include the legibly printed name and original signature of the property owner or utility CtJstomer of record who submitted both the protest and the request that it be withdrawn. Only the person who submits a written protest may withdraw it.
SECTION 6. Public Hearing is Not an Election. The public hearing and protest required under Article XIIID, Section 6(a) of the CaUfomia Constitution (Proposition 218) prior to the adoption of a new or Increase to any existing fee is not an election.
6 18
SECTION 7. Transparency, Confidentiality, and Disclosure. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fee protest tabulation while protecting the privacy rights of property owners and utility customers of record, protests will be maintained in confidence until tabulation begins following the public hearing. Once a protest Is opened during the tabulation, it becomes a disclosable public record, as required by state law.
SECTION 8. Oral Comments. Oral comments made at a public hearing for the consideration of the adoption of any new or increase to any fee shall not qualify as a formal written protest unless accompanied by a signed, written protest in conformance with this Resolution and these procedures. However, the City Council welcomes input from the community during the public hearing on any proposed new or increase to any existing property-related fee or charge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following procedures are hereby adopted for tabulating written protests against the proposed imposition of any new or increase to any existing fee:
SECTION 9. Validity of Protests. The City Clerk shall determine the validity of all protests. The City Clerk shall not accept as valid any protest if the City Clerk determines that any of the following conditions exist:
City.
(a) The written protest does not identify a parcel of property served by the (b) The written protest does not bear an original signature of a property owner
or utility customer of record for the parcel Identified on the written protest. (c) The protest does not state it is being submitted In protest to the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
(d) The protest was not received by the City Clerk before the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee. (e) A request to withdraw a written protest is received prior to the close of the public hearing on the proposed new or increase to the existing fee.
SECTION 10. Final Action. The City Clerk's decision regarding the validity of a written protest shall constitute a final action of the City and shall not be subject to any internal appeal.
SECnON 11. Cursory Review. The City Clerk may begin a cursory review at any time a written protest is received; however, the review shall not be completed until the close of the public hearing and consideration of any written request to withdraw a written protest. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Clerk shall complete the cursory review of all protests received, including those f'.eceived during the public hearing and shall report the results of the revlew to the City Council upon completion. If cursory review of the protests received demonstrates that the number received is obviously substantially fewer than one-half of the parcels served by the City with respect to the fee which is the subject of the protest, then the Clerk 7 19
may advise the City Council of the absence of a majority protest without determining the validity of all protests and tabulating the protests.
SECTION 12. • final Tabulation. In the event that upon a cursory review of the protests received It appears that the number received is not less than one-half of the parcels served, then the City Clerk shall proceed to tabulate the protests. If at the conduslon of the public hearing the City Clerk determines that additional time will be needed to tabulate the protests, the Clerk shall advise the City Council to adjourn the Item to allow the tabulation to be completed. If so, the City Council shall dedare the time and place or tabulation, which shall be conducted in a place where interested members of the public may observe the tabulation, and the Council shall declare the time at which the meeting shall be resumed to receive and act on the tabulation report.
SECTION 13. Majority Protest. A majority protest exists if written protests are timely submitted and not withdrawn by the property owners of, or customers of record with respect to, a majority (50% plus one) of the parcels subject to the proposed charge. While the City may Inform the public of the number of parcels served by the City when a notice of proposed rates is mailed, the number of parcels with active customer accounts served by the City on the date of the hearing shall control in determining whether a majority protest exists.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 24th day of July, 2014. _,AarkE.PuttdMayor
ATTEST:
Vida Barone, City Clerk
8 20
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF CERRITOS )
I, Vida Barone, City Clerk of the City of Cerritos, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 2014-22 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Cerritos at a Regular Meeting held on the 24th day of July, 2014, and that It was so adopted as folfows:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers - Chen, Cho, Ray, Pulido, Barrows
Councllmembers - None.
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None.
ABSTAIN: Councllmembers - None.
DATED: July 25, 2014
aw«~
Vida Barone, City Clerk
9 21
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENTS
NOTICE: The City of Cerritos City Council wrn conduct a Public Hearing to consider proposed water and wastewater (sewer) rate adjustments effective Sunday, February 1, 2026, phased annually through 2030. Rates cannot exceed those listed in this notice.
Hearing Date:
Location:
Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Cerritos City Council Chamber
18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703
All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing to submit oral or written comments.
The City Council will review public input before deciding whether to adopt the proposed rates. Instructions for submitting a formal protest are Included In this notice.
Why Am I Receiving This Notice?
This notice is provided under Proposition 218 because you are the recorded property owner and/or utility customer of record served by the City's water or sewer system. State law requires public notice and a hearing before rate changes. If a majority of affected recorded property owners and/or utility customers of record submit valid written protests, the proposed adjustments cannot be adopted.
Proposed Water and Sewer Rates and Charges
The City of Cerritos is proposing water and sewer rate adjustments to address aging infrastructure, rising costs, and a funding gap. Rates are based on projected revenue needs for operations, maintenance, capital improvements, and reserves. Details are outlined in the 2025 Water and Sewer Rate Study and summarized in the tables included in this notice.
The full study Is available online at cerritos.gov/waterrates and for review at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, 1st floor, Cerritos CA 90703.
Why Are Rate Adjustments Needed?
The City of Cerritos is proposing water and sewer rate increases to address inflation, rising operational costs, and aging infrastructure. Rates have remained unchanged since FY 2020-
21. In 2023, the City Councll forgave $24.3 million in General Fund Loans to the water and sewer utility and directed staff to develop new rates that fully support the water and sewer systems. The City Council also clarified that future General Fund contributions should be treated as one-time transfers, not ongoing financial support. Since then, an additional $8.9 mlllion in General Fund support has been transferred to the utility funds through the end of FY 2024-25, highlighting the need to transition to a self-sustaining utility rate structure.
In accordance with City Council policy, General Fund support of water operations, maintenance, and infrastructure expenditures will be gradually phased out. The proposed adjustments will sustain daily operations, system upgrades, and build emergency reserves.
This will reduce reliance on the General Fund, freeing more resources for other essential services, including public safety and the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and trees.
Planned improvements Include well treatment upgrades, valve replacements, sewer main repairs, and citywide pipe inspections. For more information, visit cerritos.gov/waterrates.
EXHIBIT 2
10 22
Notfce of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments November 7, 2025
Proposed Rates
Proposed rates are designed to recover actual costs and ensure system reliability. The current structure includes a fixed meter charge and volumetric charges for water use exceeding a base minimum. The proposed structure Includes a fixed meter charge and a volumetric water usage rate, with no base minimum. These updates align charges with meter capacity, eliminate base minimum units, and improve fairness and Proposition 218 compliance.
1. Fixed Meter Charge: Bimonthly fee based on meter stze, applied to all customers to support system operations and maintenance,
2. Water Usage/Volumetric Rate: Uniform volumetric charge per 100 cubic feet (CCF) of metered water use, billed by actual consumption.
3. Fixed Private Fire Line Charge (primarilv commercial customers): Bimonthly fee based on diameter; covering billing, maintenance, and fire protection demand.
Table 1: Prooosed Five-Year Water Rate Schedule
Proposed FY Proposed FY Proposed FY Proposed FY Proposed FY Description Current 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 (Feb. 2026) (Jan. 2027) (Jan. 2028) (Jan. 2029) (Jan. 2030) Bimonthly Fixed Meter Charge
5/8 X 3/4- $37.61 $39.84 $51.80 $64.75 $77.70 $81.59 inch meter 1-lnch meter $127.52 $91.09 $118.42 $148.03 $177.64 $186.53 11/2-inch $255.07 $176.52 $229.48 $286.85 $344.22 $361.44 meter 2-inch meter $510.14 $279.04 $362.76 $453.45 $544.14 $571.35 3-inch meter $765.18 $552.41 $718.14 $897.68 $1,077.22 $1,131.09 4-inch meter $892.73 $859.96 $1,117.95 $1,397.44 $1,676.93 $1,760.78 6-inch meter $1,020.25 $1,714.25 $2,228.53 $2,785.67 $3,342.81 $3,509.96 8-inch meter $1,069.38 $2,739.41 $3,561.24 $4,451.55 $5,341.86 $5,608.96 10-lnch $1,188.80 $4,106.28 $5,338.17 $6,672.72 $8,007.27 $8,407.64 meter Volumetric Rate per CCF
All Customers $2.75 $3.74 $4.87 $6.09 $7.31 $7.68
Bimonthly Fixed Private Fire Une Charges
4-inch $163.24 $80.61 $104.80 $131.00 $157.20 $165.06 connection 6-lnch $244.86 $217.15 $282.30 $352.88 $423.46 $444.64 connection 8-inch $327.27 $452.66 $588.46 $735.58 $882.70 $926.84 connection 10-inch $408.10 $806.91 $1,048.99 $1,311.24 $1,573.49 $1,652.17 connection 12-lnch $489.73 $1,297.88 $1,687.25 $2,109.07 $2,530.89 $2,657.44 connection 11 23
Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments November 7, 2025
The City of Cerritos charges customers for collectlng and transporting sewage to the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) for treatment. Sewer rates are based on metered water use and vary by meter size. Proposed volumetric sewer rates are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Proposed Five-Year Sewer Rate Schedule
Propo11ed Proposed Proposed Proposed PropDHd Desaiptlon Current FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029-30 (Fl!b, 2026) (Jan. 2027) (Jan .2028) (Jan. 2029) (Jan. 2030) Sewer Rates {per CCF)
All Customers $0.0322 $0.4911 $0.6139 $0.7674 $0.9593 $1.1992 Table 3 presents current average bimonthly water and sewer bi!ls for two account types: a single-family residence using 20 CCF with a 5/8 x 3/4-inch meter, and a commercial account using 125 CCF with a 1.5-inch meter.
Table 3: Sample Five-Vear Water and Sewer Bill Impacts
Description Current
PropOMdfY
2025-26
(Feb, 2026)
Proposecl FY
2026-21
(Jan. 2027)
Proposed FY
2027-28
(Jan. 2028}
Prop011111d FY
2028-29
(Jan. 2029)
Proposed FY
2029-30
(Jan. 2030}
Average Bimonthly Residential Water and Sewer Bill (5/8 x 3/4-inch meter at 20 CCF bimonthly} Fixed Meter Charge $37.61 $39.84 $51.80 $64.75 $77.70 $81.59 Water Usage $27.50 $74.80 $97.40 $121.80 $146.20 $153.60 Sewer Charge $0.64 $9.82 $12.28 $15.35 $19.19 $23.98
TOTAL $65.75 $124.46 $161.48 $201.90 $243.09 $259.17
Change From Prior Year $58.71 $37.02 $40.42 $41.19 $16.08 Average Bimonthly Commercial Water and Sewer Bill (1.S-inch meter at 125 CCF bimonthly) Fixed Meter Charge $255.07 $176.52 $229.48 $286.85 $344.22 $361.44 Water Usage $206.25 $467.50 $608.75 $761.25 $913.75
Sewer Charge $4.03 $61.39 $76.74 $95.93 $119.91
TOTAL $465.35 $705.41 $914.97 $1,144.03 $1,377.88
Change From Prior Year $240.06 $209.56 $229.06 $233.85
How Do I Protest the Proposed Rate Adjustments?
One written protest per parcel may be submitted. Each must include:
• Service address {and assessor parcel number, if known) • Recorded property owner and/or utility customer of record's name • Original wet signature • Statement of protest
$960.00 $149.90
$1,471.34
$93.46
Deadline: Written protests must be submitted by mail or in person and received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, or at the 7:00 p.m. meeting on the same date, before the Public Hearing concludes. For convenience, a blank protest form is included with thls Publfc Hearing Notice. 12 24
Notfce of Publlc Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments November 7, 2025
Submit by mail or in person (during normal business operating hours) to:
Office of the City Clerk
18125 Bloomfield Avenue, 1st floor
P.O. Box 3130
Cerritos, CA 90703
Note: Protests via phone, emall, or fax will not be accepted. All valid protests and public comments will be considered at the hearing.
At the close of the Public Hearing, the City will tabulate all written protests received. The City Council may adopt the proposed water and sewer rate changes, which would take effect Sunday, February 1, 2026, unless a majority of recorded property owners and/or utilfty customers of record submit valid written protests, ln which case the City is legally prohibited from implementing the increases. The rate basis, methodology, and proposed amounts are detailed in the City of Cerritos 2025 Water and Sewer Rate Study, available at cerritos.gov/waterrates and for in-person review at the Office of the City Clerk, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703, during normal business operating hours.
Upcoming Community Information Sessions
The City will hold three community information sessions to provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about proposed water and sewer rate adjustments and ask questions. The sessions will be held on:
• Monday, November 17, 2025 at the Cerritos Senior Center, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Aspen/Pine Room
• Monday, December 8, 2025 at Cerritos Park East, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Malibu Room
• Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Liberty Park, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Washington Room
Statute of Limitations for Challenging Proposed Rates
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 53759, there is a 120-day statute of limitations for judicially challenging all rates set forth in this Notice that runs from the effective date of the ordinance or resolution approving these rates.
Low-Income Assistance Program
On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Cerritos City Council approved the development of a Low-Income Assistance Program to support qualifying households with water and sewer costs, providing financial relief to residents who meet specific Income-based criteria. The program would include a fixed, bimonthly discount of $40 on the bimonthly water and sewer bill. Program registration information will be provided in future utility bills. 13 25
Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments November 7, 2025
CITY OF CERRITOS - PROPOSITION 218 PROTEST FORM
Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments
Public Hearing Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
By signing below, I attest that I am the recorded property owner and/or utility customer of record of the parcel identified below and hereby protest the proposed rate adjustments indicated (check all that apply):
Water Rate Adjustment Protest
Service Address
(required):
Printed Name of Recorded Property Owner
and/or Utility Customer of Record:
Signature
(Original Wet Signature Required):
Date:
Submit this completed form by mail or in person to:
Office of the City Clerk
18125 Bloomfield Avenue, 1st floor
P.O. Box 3130
Cerritos, CA 90703
Sewer Rate Adjustment Protest
Written protests must be received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, or at the 7:00 p.m. meeting on the same date, before the Public Hearing concludes.
Protests submitted by phone, email, or fax wilf not be accepted. 14