Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverbank public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in water utilities
Groundwater Sustainability Plan Amendments
A resident asked whether the site is pumping well water and whether the county's moratorium on new wells near the Superfund site still stands. Staff said the three identified wells aren't used for drinking water and the Stanislaus County moratorium remains in place.
Sewer and Water Rate Increases
Water service fees brought in $3.3 million but the fund ended with just $4 million in unrestricted reserves — not much cushion for emergency repairs or future projects. Staff have put out an RFP for a water rate study and proposals are being evaluated.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Funding
Staff disclosed the plant has potentially enough spare capacity for only about 225 homes, subject to engineering verification, and the planned expansion from 1.8 to 2.29 million gallons a day isn't in place. Multiple speakers called this the project's fatal flaw.
Countryside III Water Main Reimbursement
The city will pay back the Countryside III subdivision developer up to $260,120 for installing a bigger 12-inch water main — better water capacity for that growing area.
Regional Recycled Water Project spending
The council split on whether to keep paying for design work on the estimated $136 million recycled water plant while a feasibility study of cheaper alternatives is underway. Residents flooded public comment saying sewer rates are already unaffordable.