City of San Clemente
Public Works
David Rebensdorf, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Phone: (949) 361-6130 Fax: (949) 361-8234
[email protected]
February 4, 2026
William and Mary Ellen Bobp
303 E. Avenida Magdalena
San Clemente, CA 92672
Re: Response to letter challenging proposed water rates Dear William and Mary Ellen Bobp,
The City of San Clemente received your letter on December 9, 2025 regarding a concern for the potential of double dipping since property tax bills contain an annual charge for Metro Water D-MWDOC. Your letter does not identify any portion of the City’s proposed water rate increase that is not in compliance with Proposition 218 and does not meet the definition of a “written objection,” as that term is used in Government Code Section 53759.1. Nevertheless, the City wishes to address the comments provided in your letter.
While the City understands your concerns regarding the proposed adjustment to water rates, nearly 54 percent of the City’s operating and maintenance expenses in Fiscal Year 2025 is for administration and supply of water from Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). This is described in Section 2.3 Operating Expenses under Potable Water Supply Costs within the Water Rate Study Report at www.san-clemente.gov/water-rates.
The City’s main potable water supply is imported water from Metropolitan Water District, which has also imposed an annual property tax on its customers for a portion of its costs related to the State Water Project. In addition to those costs which Metropolitan Water District directly charges its customers, MWDOC also charges the City a fixed and volumetric wholesale water charge which the City passes through to City customers, as further defined in Sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the Water Rate Study Report. The MWDOC Supply Unit Cost is comprised of potable water supplies from MWDOC, imported water from Metropolitan Water District, Baker Treatment Plant and delivery to the City’s service area.
There was also another objection raised related to the proposed rate adjustments for five years. The proposed future rate increases are a maximum rate and cannot be increased without a new Proposition 218 process notifying customers along with providing a nexus for the any adjustments. City Council and staff are dedicated to providing quality water service and finding cost saving measures whenever possible to minimize future customer rate increases.
Thank you for taking the time to provide comments on the proposed water rates.
Sincerely,
David Rebensdorf
Public Works Director/City Engineer
Public Works 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673 http://san-clemente.org
City of San Clemente Page 2