Public Works Committee 5/9/25-Utility Billing Proposal- Meeting Summary

What’s New in the Utility Billing Proposal? Breaking Down the Latest Updates and Key Clarifications

Over the past several months, Upland residents have been actively engaged in a discussion about a proposal to shift sewer, solid waste, and storm drain utility charges from traditional bimonthly billing to the San Bernardino County property tax roll. This change would reduce the number of bills from six per year to two, streamline collections, and create long-term cost savings for both residents and the City.

At the May 6th Public Works Committee meeting, staff presented significant updates and clarifications that responded directly to public feedback. Here’s a closer look at what’s new and what remains consistent:

1. Tangible Resident Savings

For the first time, the proposal includes specific dollar savings:

• $225,000 in annual administrative savings citywide.

• $14.04/year per household savings on sewer and trash billing—initially issued as a rebate check in July 2025, then reflected in future rate reductions.

These figures make the financial benefits clearer and more concrete for residents.

2. New Opt-Out Option for Residents

The revised plan now includes a voluntary Opt-Out Program for those who wish to continue receiving direct invoices for sewer and trash (note: storm drain charges are not eligible for opt-out). Key details include:

• Estimated $35 annual administrative fee (sewer only; no fee for trash, as Burrtec has agreed to absorb the cost).

• Participants must have no more than two late payments and no defaults on record.

• The program will start as a pilot with limited enrollment.

This flexibility is a direct response to concerns from residents who prefer traditional billing formats.

3. Stronger Financial Data and Transparency

The May 6th presentation provided updated data showing:

• $922,685 in outstanding delinquencies (sewer and trash combined), with an average recovery time of 406 days—highlighting the inefficiencies of the current system.

• More precise tracking and refined data compared to earlier presentations.

4. Majority of Households Will See Monthly Impacts

According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 78% of Upland households impound their property taxes through their mortgage payments. For these residents, this change effectively converts utility billing from bi-monthly to monthly payments, which may offer improved budgeting predictability.

5. Public Outreach Commitments

Should the City Council approve the transition, there will be robust public outreach to ensure a smooth implementation. This includes:

• A dedicated webpage with FAQs and updates.

• A hotline for resident questions.

• Targeted social media messaging to help residents understand and navigate the transition.

6. Broader Regional Context and Consistency

The City has updated its list of regional agencies already utilizing tax roll billing to show that this is a standard practice statewide, consistent with best practices in local government finance.

What Hasn’t Changed

• The proposal only affects residential property owners, not tenants or commercial accounts.

• The City retains full control over utility rates and billing policies.

• The initiative is still rooted in cost savings, operational efficiency, compliance with SB 998, and long-term fiscal responsibility.

• The change is designed to protect City revenues and support essential services like public safety and infrastructure maintenance.

Next Steps: Public Hearing on May 12

The formal public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 12 at 6:00 PM at Upland City Hall.

As always, I encourage every Upland resident to stay informed, stay engaged, and be part of the process. Together, we’ll shape a solution that protects our city’s future while respecting resident concerns.