Fresno water rate referendum headed for ballot

By John Hrabe | Cal Watchdog

Fresno residents will have the final say on the city’s controversial plan to double water rates in the coming years.

On Tuesday, election officials certified that the petition drive spearheaded by former Fresno County Supervisor Doug Vagim has enough valid signatures to place the referendum on the November ballot. More than 5,500 registered voters signed the petition, which was circulated by Citizens for Lower Water Bills, to repeal rate hikes approved by the City Council in August 2013.

“We’ve got the people behind us,” Vagim told the Fresno Bee. “They’re ready to have their voices heard.”

But the fight is far from over, and the petition certification now puts the onus on the City Council to address the issue at its next meeting scheduled for July 17.

at Cal Watchdog.