Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in water utilities with high priority
Failed stormwater fee and flood protection funding gap
The city wants to bring back a stormwater fee — $7.72 a month for a typical single-family home — to fund legally required storm drain maintenance and pollution prevention. A survey showed only 43% support, below the 50% needed, but the council moved ahead with the process anyway.
Cal-Am cease-and-desist order modification
Multiple public commenters urged the council to allocate water to support housing projects and pursue desalination, raising the issue during the General Plan annual report discussion.
Monterey One Water proposed wastewater rate increase
M1W is proposing rate hikes from about $54 to over $79 a month by 2031 to fund $568 million in aging-infrastructure work. Residents slammed the affordability impact; the agency confirmed no plan B if the June 29 protest hearing triggers a majority protest.