Drought contributed to losses to water, wastewater and electric funds in Healdsburg, California
5/24/2023 1:39:58 PM
CATEGORIES:
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Healdsburg, CA
Start Date: 7/1/2022
- End Date: 3/31/2023
Water and wastewater revenues in Healdsburg were sharply reduced this year, due to mandatory reductions in water use to conserve water. The financial shortfall led the city to freeze two vacant Utility and Public Works positions and defer infrastructure maintenance. As of March 31, the end of the third quarter, both funds were behind in revenue, down 10% to date, for a combined $1.09 million loss over projections through that period. To compensate for the shortfalls, spending from the water fund was cut by about $251,000, while spending from the wastewater fund was reduced by about $9,600 for fiscal year 2023-24. Maintenance will be delayed on water fountains, distribution pipes and pumps.
Healdsburg operates its own electric utility, which also suffered a shortfall. The electric fund was down by 6% to $9.01 million through the third quarter.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat (Calif.), May 22, 2023
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