From left, Brittney Moore, Annie Liu, Michael Shorter, Tammy Gordon and Missy Pieri, with the Citrus Heights Water District attended the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon on Oct. 15.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce held its monthly membership luncheon on Oct. 15 featuring an informative session on the Citrus Heights Water District. The event was sponsored by the Water District and catered by Ludy’s BBQ & Catering.

During the luncheon, the Water District presented an overview of its 2025 budget, emphasizing its mission to “furnish a dependable supply of safe, quality water delivered to its customers in an efficient, responsive and affordable manner,” according to Annie Liu, Citrus Heights Water District director of administrative services.

The 2025 budget operates on a calendar basis, serving as an action plan for projects and operational priorities.

Liu highlighted several key focuses for the upcoming year including completing long-range infrastructure and asset management planning, expanding groundwater programs, maintaining adequate reserves, enhancing public services, ensuring operational and financial efficiency and providing opportunities for customer participation.

“The proposed 2025 budget for the district will be around $36.2 million,” said Liu.

Missy Pieri, director of engineering at Citrus Heights Water District, stated, “Around 46% of our budget is allocated to our infrastructure, focusing on putting facilities into the ground. Our three key investment areas are water mains, water meters, and groundwater wells. All this work is aimed at ensuring reliable water systems for our customers.”

Proposed projects for 2025 encompass ongoing replacements of water services, valves, hydrants, and meters, as well as the completion of Well number seven and the initiation of Well number eight construction. Additionally, three water main projects and a new corporation yard project are set to begin.

“We project that 18% of our revenue for 2025 will come from grants,” said Michael Shorter, accounting manager of the Citrus Heights Water District. “We are getting more aggressive with our grant fundings and pulling together resources so we can help get more from our non-rate payer dollars”

Shorter explained the rationale behind the proposed rate adjustments for 2025.

“One unit of water on your bill is equal to 748 gallons, that could also be compared to a five-hour shower or 10 full baths. The proposed cost for that is $1.35,” said Shorter. “For 2025, we expect an increase of about $7.76 per month, based on an average usage of 20 units. This change is necessary to cover costs, comply with state mandates to reduce water consumption, maintain our infrastructure, address rising capital and operational expenses and ensure we have adequate reserves for urgent needs.”

The Water District also offers various programs aimed at promoting water efficiency within the community. According to Public Affairs Director at Citrus Heights Water District, Tammy Gordon, these include free WaterSmart classes, landscape irrigation reviews and rebated for water-saving appliances.

All property owners who receive Citrus Heights Water District services interested in discussing the budget can attend the upcoming budget hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive.

The next Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce luncheon, the Sunrise Power Lunch, will take place on from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at Olive Garden in Citrus Heights, located at 5445 Sunrise Blvd. Representatives from the Citrus Heights Chamber, Orangevale Chamber, Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, and Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce will attend.