BART, three Contra Costa County Public Works projects also honored
By City of Antioch
The City of Antioch’s Brackish Water Desalination Project continues to receive recognition across the engineering and public works community!
The project has been named a 2026 Project Award Winner by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter. Antioch’s desal plant was one of eight projects in Contra Costa County, including three Public Works projects, honored at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th.
A total of 25 projects were nominated and 15 received an award, including BART and seven others in Contra Costa County. All winners will be moving on to the APWA National at Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August for consideration.
Source: APWA Northern California
The APWA Northern California Chapter is a dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of our association at the local level. The chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network, representing a vibrant community of professionals in Northern California. We are committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.
During the ACEC California awards ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026. Photo: ACEC California
ACEC California Engineering ExcellenceAward
Public Works Director Scott Buenting and Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Marcus Woodland were presented last month with an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC). Carollo Engineers of Walnut Creek submitted the Antioch project for consideration which received a ACEC California Merit Award.
The ACEC California’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms. Entries are accepted into one of 12 project categories: studies, research and consulting engineering services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities.
Projects were recognized for demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Twenty projects earned the prestigious Honor Award distinction, twenty-seven were recognized with Merit Awards, and fifteen Commendation Awards were granted.
“We are proud to recognize these ACEC California firms for delivering an exceptional degree of value and technical excellence to our communities,” said Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California. “Quality infrastructure—from dependable drinking water to safe, efficient roadways and structurally sound public spaces—is essential to our state’s success. These award-winning projects showcase how our engineering and land surveying firms are passionately building a more resilient and connected California.”
The awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet on February 19, 2026. The annual celebration is also a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation 501(c)3, which provides scholarship awards to graduate and undergraduate students who are recognized for their notable and outstanding academic achievements.
These recognitions highlight the expertise and dedication of the team working to deliver safe, reliable water for our community.
Antioch Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Marcus Woodland will be honored next month. Photo: City of Antioch
Marcus Woodland to be honored as Exemplary Operations Supervisor
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch announces that Marcus Woodland, Superintendent of the Antioch Water Treatment Plant (WTP), has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to receive the Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award. He will be formally recognized at the Water of the West Conference in San Diego this April.
The award recognizes outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and dedication to public health in water utility operations.
Woodland’s leadership was instrumental during the construction and startup of Antioch’s Brackish Water Desalination Project. Throughout complex upgrades and plant shutdowns, he ensured strict compliance with public health standards, requiring proper disinfection and bacteriological testing before treatment processes were returned to service. His attention to detail and insistence on operational readiness protected both system reliability and water quality for the community.
In one instance, Woodland directed a shutdown and inspection after plant staff noticed abnormal filter flow readings following construction work. A foreign object was discovered lodged in a flow meter, an issue that could have caused long-term performance problems and potential public health concerns if not corrected. His leadership ensured the issue was resolved before the system resumed operation.
Woodland also led improvements that strengthened long-term plant maintenance and reliability. His team implemented design changes to the membrane clean-in-place system to allow multiple tanks to operate simultaneously and accelerated critical repairs to sedimentation basin equipment at Plant B to ensure full treatment capacity during renovations at Plant A.
In addition to operational leadership, Woodland played a key role in hiring, training, and mentoring operators as the facility expanded to include reverse osmosis treatment systems. He worked closely with staff and equipment vendors to ensure operators fully understood new processes and equipment, often requiring additional training to ensure the highest operational standards.
During a complex raw water pipeline tie-in that required the shutdown of both of the City’s treatment plants, Woodland coordinated extensive preparation, including operational testing, distribution system planning, and collaboration with neighboring agencies to secure backup water supplies. His oversight and planning allowed the City to maintain service despite an outage that extended well beyond the planned timeline.
Woodland stepped into the role of WTP Superintendent during the height of the desalination project’s construction—his first appointment as a full-time permanent superintendent. His leadership during this challenging period was widely regarded as a key factor in the project’s successful completion.
“Marcus Woodland’s recognition by the CA-NV AWWA reflects his outstanding leadership and technical expertise,” said Scott Buenting, Director of Public Works. “Marcus has played a pivotal role during the complex construction and startup of the Brackish Water Desalination Project. The success of our Water Treatment Plant is a direct result of his commitment to operational excellence and to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our community. We are proud to see his dedication recognized at the state level.”
The American Water Works Association is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving water quality and supply through education, standards development, and professional recognition of water professionals. The Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in water utility operations and a strong commitment to public service.
Woodland’s recognition highlights the City of Antioch’s continued commitment to protecting public health and investing in reliable, high-quality water infrastructure.
Show us how the Contra Costa Canal brings water to your home, school, or community, and why having reliable water every day matters. Your artwork could appear in the 2027 Contra Costa water District wall calendar — and winning entries earn a $75 gift card!
Entries due May 9.
Submit artwork by mail or in person the original, unfolded artwork and the completed consent form on the flyer to: CCWD Calendar Contest. 1331 Concord Avenue, Concord, CA 94520
Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to communities across central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California.
Formed in 1936 to provide water for irrigation and industry, we are now one of the largest urban water districts in California and a leader in drinking-water treatment technology and source water protection.
As a public water agency, we are committed to transparency and sharing information about our public services with many and varied audiences.
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is alerting residents to a door-to-door scam in which individuals are falsely claiming that the city’s tap water is unsafe in an attempt to sell high-cost water filtration systems.
In a recent report, a resident was approached by a person claiming to test water quality. The individual presented a false test result alleging the presence of “13 cancer-causing contaminants” and attempted to pressure the resident into purchasing a reverse osmosis system. When the resident declined to provide personal information, the individual became aggressive.
“These individuals are not associated with the City of Antioch, or our Water Department,” said Ivona Kagin, Laboratory Supervisor at the Water Treatment Plant. “Tap water is tightly regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We want to reassure residents that Antioch’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements. Details are published in our annual Consumer Confidence Report: https://www.antiochca.gov/583/Water-Treatment. If your water becomes unsafe to drink, the City of Antich will notify you and provide information on how to protect yourself.”
Residents are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
Do not allow unverified individuals into your home.
Always ask for official identification.
Look for a City of Antioch badge and marked city vehicle.
Call the Water Department at (925) 779-7060 to confirm if someone is a city employee.
Report aggressive or suspicious activity to the Antioch Police Department.
Kagin emphasized that legitimate city employees will never arrive unannounced. All official visits are scheduled in advance and conducted by trained staff with proper identification.
For more information about Antioch’s water quality or to verify any city-related service visit, please contact the Water Department directly or visit http://www.antiochca.gov/water.
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Luncheon Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Road in Concord, on Friday May 23, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay ONLINE, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door – $25 for members, $30 for guests.
In addition to our speaker, we will be discussing planned updates to the County’s Urban Limit Line (which restricts development in unincorporated areas) and El Cerrito’s forthcoming library parcel tax measure.
SPEAKER TOPIC
Contra Costa Water District 2025 Update
With recent fires in Southern California and ongoing discussions about California’s public water systems and supply, Contra Costa Water District continues to serve as a leader among water agencies throughout the state. CCWD Board President Ernesto “Ernie” Avila will join us May 23 to give updates about ongoing capital improvement projects, how customer rates are used to provide a stable, long-term water supply, what resources and rebates are available to customers, and other initiatives underway to improve the reliability of our local water system. For more information visit Contra Costa Water District, CA | Official Website.
Speaker Bio
Ernesto A. Avila, P.E., was appointed to CCWD’s board in March 2016 to represent Division 3, which includes eastern Concord, Clayton, and part of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, and began serving as Board President in May 2022. He has over 40 years of professional experience in planning, environmental compliance, regulation, design, and construction of water, wastewater and recycled water works and municipal facilities. He is currently Principal/Vice-President of a private engineering firm.
As a member of the Board, he brings his dedication to the community, passion for water issues, and his experience in the private and public sectors. For the community, he has volunteered for many citizen-based committees/organizations including the Walnut Creek Transportation Commission, the Concord Planning Commission, the John Muir/Mount Diablo Community Health Fund, the Knights of Columbus, the East Bay Leadership Council, and the St. Francis of Assisi School Board. While working full time, he has made volunteering in the community a priority, representing his neighbors and family on important issues that affect their everyday life.
He is passionate about water issues in his professional life, working on a variety of issues statewide during his career. Among several relevant positions, he served as Director of Engineering at Contra Costa Water District before moving on to become General Manager of Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. He also served as Executive Director for the California Urban Water Agencies, Program Director for the Multi-State Salinity Coalition, and was elected as Vice President of the Association of California Water Agencies for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024. He has experience on water projects of all shapes and sizes, including water treatment plant improvements, dam retrofits, and watershed management and habitat conservation projects.
He lives in Clayton with his family and is a licensed civil engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College of California.
About CoCoTax
Founded in 1937, CoCoTax leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government. We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. For more information and membership visit www.cocotax.org.
District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker shares why she was the only member to vote against the rate increase on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Video screenshot
Over next 3 years; begin May 1st; still lowest in the area
Will help pay off loan for desal plant; Torres-Walker opposes even though she voted to approve $91 million contract for its construction; but then-City Manager Ron Bernal ensured the council that it would not result in any rate hikes or cause any unforeseen costs in the future.
By Allen D. Payton
After only hearing from four members of the public who spoke, including one who supported the increases, and receiving 11 written protest letter responses including 10 people against, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, approved increases in water rates over the next three years on a 4-1 vote. The rate hikes will range from 45 to 93 percent. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was the lone vote against. The vote also keeps in place the current tiered rate structure.
It will be the first water rate increase in the city since 2019. The initial rate increases will begin May 1, 2025. As previously reported, the last time the Council considered raising water rates was Nov. 12, 2024. With then-District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent due to a family medical emergency, the remaining four members split 2-1-1 on the motion to increase rates and continue the current tiered rate structure. District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker voted to abstain and then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe voting against. The structure means those residential customers who use more water pay a higher per gallon rate, effectively subsidizing the rates for those who use less water each month. Following the vote, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “If the new council wants to take this up, they can take it up.”
That’s what they did and even with the increases, a comparison survey shows Antioch will still have the lowest water rates in the area.
Source: City of Antioch
Under Item 5 on their regular meeting agenda, the Council held a public hearing to consider annual water rate increases through July 1, 2028, keeping the current tiered structure. According to the City staff report, the “adjustments will ensure adequate Water Enterprise funds for the City’s projected operations, capital expenditures and debt service coverage. Water rates have not been increased for almost five years, yet operating costs have continued to incrementally, and at times, substantially, increased each year for personnel, utilities, water purchase costs from Contra Costa Water District (when the City cannot pump from the river) and other maintenance costs of the City’s Water Treatment Plant.”
The City has pre-1914 rights to water from the river. But due to upstream freshwater diversion, the saltwater intrusion into the Delta affects Antioch’s intake pumps which are at the lowest elevation on the river. During summer months the salinity of the river water is at its highest. Thus, the need for the new brackish water desalination plant.
Part of Increase to Cover Loan Payments for Desalination Plant
In addition, the rate increase will cover “personnel and maintenance costs to operate” the new Brackish Water Facility which will be online this year. “The City is required to maintain a 1.20 debt service coverage ratio, meaning that net revenues…of the Water Fund each fiscal year must be 1.2 times the annual debt service for that given year. As part of the loan terms…failure to comply with the debt service coverage is considered an ‘Event of Default’…and the SWRCB (State water Resources Control Board) may require: return of (the $50 million state revolving loan) funds…immediately, acceleration of payments due; payment of a higher interest rate; payment of additional payments and further enforce its rights by any judicial proceeding.”
The Non-Single-Family Zone 1 rates will be raised from $4.44 to $6.42 per hundred cubic feet (HCU), a 44.6% increase and Zone IV would increase 82.5% from $4.86 to $8.87.
All eight tiers and zones for Single-Family residential rates will also be affected with Tier 2 Zone I given the lowest increase of 45.6%, from $6.22 to $9.06 per HCU. If approved, Tier 1 Zone IV would experience the greatest rate increase of 93%, from $4.20 to $8.11 per HCU over the three years.
Monthly Meter Service for single-family residential customers will also rise from $24.40 to $35.40, a 45% increase.
Source: City of Antioch
Council Questions, Discussion and Vote
During council discussion on the item, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was first to speak saying, “Just for clarification…we need to actually raise this rate to pay off the debt from the loan for the desal plant. So, you projected potential rate increases over time in order to get a loan to do the desal project?”
Public Works Director Scott Buenting responded, “That’s part of it. The water rates and the revenue from the Water Fund will be used to pay back that loan as well as other expenditures within the Water Fund and water department.”
District 3 Councilman Don Freitas asked what it means for the City of Antioch to be a pre-1914 water right holder.
“As pre-1914, our adjudicated water rights do allow us to take water from the river,” Buenting explained. “The only thing that prevents the amount of water that we can take is our permit ability. So, we can take water from the river a lot more than 16 million gallons that we do currently. However, that’s what we’re permitted with with the fish screens we have in place that allow us to draw river water into our system. So, right now, that’s the limiting factor is the fish screens.”
“So, it’s not unlimited. It is restricted,” Freitas responded.
“It is restricted by permitting, yes,” the Public Works Director responded.
“But because we can do that, it has a very significant impact which lowers overall water rates,” Freitas stated. “Because when we take water from the river, we don’t have to buy water from Contra Costa Water District, correct?”
“Yes. That’s true,” Buenting responded. “You still have to pump the water. You still have the electricity and the infrastructure necessary to get the water from the river to our water treatment plant. But the cost of the water we’re not purchasing from Contra Costa Water District. That’s part of our 1914 rights.”
The councilman then asked for the cost of purchase one acre-foot of water from CCWD. “It’s substantial,” he stated. Buenting said, “It is substantial.” But he didn’t know and said he would get that information.
“One of the reasons why Antioch is the second lowest, basically in the Bay Area is because we are a pre-1914 water right and we use that as much as we possibly can to lower water rates,” Freitas added.
“Sure, and that’s currently the condition where we are right now,” Buenting stated. “The river water is fresh enough it can be treated through conventional means. Therefore, we’re not currently purchasing any water from Contra Costa Water District but utilizing our water rights.”
Freitas, a former CCWD Board Member, then spoke about the water from the Los Vaqueros Reservoir.
“One of the purposes was water quality. But also, reliability,” he shared. “California being a semi-arid state we are going to have droughts…and so…CCWD…will actually aid the City of Antioch, not only for human consumption, but for manufacturing, and…agriculture and things of that sort. Correct?”
“We still have a relationship with Contra Costa Water District,” Buenting responded. “We will still continue to purchase water at some rate. We do have capacity at the Randall Bold Water Treatment Plant (in Oakley), also.”
“But I mean, at Los Vaqueros, the salinity is going to be extraordinarily lower than what we can get in a drought period from the river,” Freitas stated. “Which probably means we can’t even pump water out of the river because of the salinity.”
“Yes, depending on how dry it is, how far the salinity moves upstream,” Buenting explained. “Contra Costa Water District’s (pumps) are much further upstream.”
“No one likes rate increases. Absolutely no one,” Freitas stated. “But I have to argue in favor of these…I think the City was remiss in five years of not looking at water rates…and now we’re paying the price for that. Because there is an escalation. As far as I’m concerned, if you do it every year at or below the rate of inflation you’re not losing. You’re actually gaining by keeping up. The City Council made a conscious decision back then not to raise water rates during the pandemic because of the cost implications and I thought it was a good decision back then. But we are paying the price.”
“I don’t think there’s any alternative for us. I’m satisfied with us moving forward because it guarantees it will be a water supply. It will be treated,” he continued. “And with our relationship with CCW both for raw water supply, as well as during the periods of time when there are droughts, and we can take water from Los Vaqueros we will not be so severely impacted.”
“Yes, I know that these water rates will have some negative impacts,” Freitas stated. “But I also know CCWD and the City of Antioch have various conservation programs to help reduce the demand of water inside our homes. Something like 60% or more of treated water is used outside the house for irrigation. If you do like your lawns…then you have to pay to irrigate them and keep them alive.”
“But you have a choice. You have an option. You can change that landscaping,” he concluded. “But as difficult as it is, and it’s unfortunate, I’m ready, Mr. Mayor to move forward and approve the water rates.”
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then said, “I just want to reiterate it’s hard. It’s not a very favorable decision when you have to raise water rates. And back in 2020 when we had the pandemic this council had to make a very difficult decision. That time we made the conscious decision we can’t raise water rates when people are struggling to just make ends meet. That’s why we went the five years without it.”
“However, here we are, having our own water department, having the brackish water plant…and just to run that water plant, the electricity alone is a huge cost,” she continued. “But we need to raise the water rates because if we don’t…something unfavorable with our debt. That looks unfavorable we’re not keeping up with the costs just to run our own water department.”
“So, it’s a difficult decision, but I am in favor of raising our rates,” Wilson concluded.
Mayor Ron Bernal then asked Buenting, “We do have a minimum take from Contra Costa Water District, correct? Minimum purchase every year. Do you know about what percentage overall of our water that would be?’
“Five hundred acre-feet, I believe. But I don’t know exactly what the percentage is,” the Public Works Director responded.
“Then there’s also limitations on the amount of water, as you mentioned, that we can pump from the river at 16 MGD, correct, 16 million gallons per day?” Bernal asked.
“Yes sir,” Buenting responded.
“And our warm weather uses up to 25 maybe?” the mayor asked.
“Yes sir,” was the response.
“So, in the summer, we cannot take all of our water from the river, correct? It has to be supplemented? Bernal further asked.
“That’s true,” Buenting stated.
“I just want to clarify the fact that…our river is not an unlimited source of water, but it is definitely a large source of our supply and that’s the reason for the brackish water desal project to take full advantage of that in generations to come,” the mayor concluded.
Bernal then reiterated what Freitas said about droughts and mentioned, “Conservation mandates. Antioch would maybe be able to be relieved of that somewhat by virtue of the fact that we do have an alternative source that doesn’t depend upon the runoff from the mountains and things like that. Correct?”
“It is something we’re working with the State on,” Buenting offered.
Single Family Monthly Water Rates Survey results. Source: City of Antioch
Torres-Walker Explains Her Opposition to Rate Increase
Torres-Walker had the last word on the matter saying, “Clean drinking water is important to the community, I’m assuming, everybody. I don’t really care how it gets to the faucet as long as it gets to the faucet when I turn the faucet on and it’s drinkable.”
“I also understand that these rates need to increase because the City was super ambitious and went for a loan projected on increasing rates on residents to be able to have a water desal plant that then will produce…good drinking water for the long term, I’m assuming,” she continued. “I also don’t know what it will save the City to have the desal plant any. Because it also sounds like…we’ll need to raise more of the rate to pay for the operations of the desal plant and maintenance moving forward.”
“I heard Councilwoman Wilson say we didn’t raise rates because of the pandemic because people couldn’t afford it, as if people can afford it, now, right?” Torres-Walker stated. “So, it’s not just the pandemic that made this difficult to do. Because…people are still struggling, and the struggle is only going to get realer. So, we’re acting as if people who couldn’t afford it then could afford it now and that’s just not true.”
“So, with all of this information with understanding the City needs to raise water rates to pay off this debt so that our creditors won’t look at us in a negative light, I understand all of that,” she continued. “And I understand there are people who can’t afford it. I’m going to remain a ‘no’ even though I know the votes are here to pass this, tonight.”
However, in addition to her vote to abstain on increasing the water rates last November, during a special meeting on December 18, 2020, in her first month on the council, Torres-Walker helped incur most of the City’s debt for the desal plant when she voted in favor of the $91 million construction contract. That’s out of a total estimated cost of $110 million.
But during that same meeting, as previously reported, in response to then-Councilmember Lori Ogorchock expressing her own concerns and those of residents that the plant will result in tangible rate hikes, then-City Manager Ron Bernal ensured the council that it would not result in any rate hikes. He also stated that the plant would not cause any unforeseen costs in the future.
The Council then approved the water rate increases on a 4-1 vote.
Depending on tier and zone Lone Tree Retail Project next to In-Shape Also, creating Sycamore police substation; will study budget
By Allen D. Payton
It will cost you more to take a shower, brush your teeth, do the dishes and laundry, water your yard and flush the toilet if the Antioch City Council approves significant water rate increases during their meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The mayor and council members will consider raising rates for the first time since 2019, by 45 to 93 percent for different tiers and zones over the next three years. But before the vote the council will hear from members of the public.
They will also consider leasing space in the Sycamore Square shopping center for a Police Substation during a 5:00 p.m. Closed Session and discuss the 2025-27 budget at 6:00 p.m. During the regular session beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Council will also discuss the creation of a Homeless/Unhoused Ad Hoc Committee from the Councilmembers’ 90-Day Request List. Finally, the Council will consider approving the Lone Tree Retail Project next to the In-Shape Fitness health club.
Source: City of Antioch
Proposed Water Rate Increases Under Item 5 on their regular meeting agenda, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider annual water rate increases through July 1, 2028, keeping the current tiered structure. If approved, Non-Single Family Zone 1 rates would be raised from $4.44 to $6.42 per hundred cubic feet (HCU), a 44.6% increase and Zone IV would increase 82.5% from $4.86 to $8.87.
All eight tiers and zones for Single-Family residential rates would also be affected with Tier 2 Zone I given the lowest increase of 45.6%, from $6.22 to $9.06 per HCU. If approved, Tier 1 Zone IV would experience the greatest rate increase of 93%, from $4.20 to $8.11 per HCU over the three years.
Monthly Meter Service for single-family residential customers would also rise from $24.40 to $35.40, a 45% increase.
It will be the first water rate increase in the city since 2019. The first rate increases will begin May 1, 2025.
Lone Tree Retail Project location map. Source: City of Antioch
Lone Tree Retail Project Development Under Item 6, the Council will consider approving the Final Development Plan, Use Permit and Design Review for development of the Lone Tree Retail project. The location is next to the In-Shape Fitness health club at 4099 Lone Tree Way, and will consist of a Mister Car Wash, Habit Burger & Grill and Chipotle or to be determined retail on 3.22 acres.
Meeting & Public Comments Details Those in attendance at the meeting can speak during general Public Comments on items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting until 7:30 p.m. and again at the end of the meeting. They can also speak on any agendized item for up to three minutes except for public hearings, during which they can speak for up to five minutes.
The meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
The Antioch City Council sans two councilwomen hear from a consultant on proposed water rate increases during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Video screenshot
Discuss 10% annual water rate increases, set public hearing for March 11
“This is kind of a shock for people, 50% over five years” – District 3 Councilman Don Freitas.
Both councilwomen absent for first meeting of the year
By Allen D. Payton
During the first Antioch City Council meeting of the new year, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the new mayor and two members discussed and approved a variety of matters without the input or votes of both councilwomen who did not attend. Those included an agreement with former Interim Chief Brian Addington’s consulting firm for services to the police department and fees for concealed carry weapons. The council also heard a presentation on the process for recruiting a new, permanent police chief and another from the Parks and Recreation Department entitled, “What a Year It’s Been – Celebrating Our Year 2024.”
According to City Manager Bessie Scott, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was sick and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was in Washington D.C. for a conference.
Approves Agreement with Addington’s Consulting Firm for Police Department
After just completing his time as Antioch’s interim police chief last Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, Brian Addington’s company, WBA Consulting was hired as the consultant to the police department to comply with the City’s recent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
As previously reported, the council was asked to hire a “consultant team that can provide support, guidance, and advice in several areas, which will supplement and enhance the Antioch Police Department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The City requires assistance with overall project management for Police Department operations and administration, policy support, and special project implementation for not only day-to-day operations, but also with compliance efforts identified in the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) settlement agreement with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch dated January 2, 2025.” (See related article)
WBA Consulting was mentioned as part of his background in an introductory article about Addington when he was hired as interim police chief last February.
Other than one question from District 3 Councilman Don Freitas about the items in the agreement lined through that were eliminated from the final version, without discussion, the council approved the agreement 3-0, with Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson absent.
Approves CCW Permit Fees
Under agenda item 6, according to Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bitner, who provided the City staff report to the council about setting fees for handling concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits, the majority of law enforcement agencies in California use software to expedite the process. As of January, under SB2 cities can increase fees. Permits have to be renewed every two years.
“These are basic numbers we’ve assessed and consulted other agencies,” Bittner We’re not making any money on this. We’re just breaking even to cover our costs.”
Only two members of the public spoke on the item, but neither chose to serve as the proponent or opponent for the public hearing which would have afforded them 10 minutes to speak.
“I was not aware what’s really going on,” said a woman who claimed to be a local leader for Gun Owners of America. “I get a little emotional when it comes to my right to carry. I grew up in this town. I left…then I came back. I feel incredibly unsafe in this town.”
“It’s cheaper for me to fly to Texas…to get the training,” she continued. “To hear the fees for me to exercise my constitutional right to carry…is appalling.”
“Police told me the applications are stacked so high, don’t even bother,” she added. “I just want actions, and I want answers. I shouldn’t have to wait a year-and-a-half.”
Resident Greg Farina who identified himself as the president of the Contra Costa Chapter of the California Rifle and Pistol Association said, “I’m very happy the City of Antioch is going through this. I just got my letter from Contra Costa County. It took me 15 months.”
“Yes, it’s expensive. I’m concerned about lower income folks. I will help you do anything and help sell what you’re doing,” he added.
Freitas asked Bittner, “do we actively have applications for the City of Antioch, now?”
“As far as I know, no,” the captain responded. “We averaged about five applications per year. The sheriff’s department processed for us on average 67 per year. We can get the knocked out in 90 days. If the applicant is being diligent in getting things done, we’ll be right there with them.”
“This will not impact the General Fund?” District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha asked. Mayor Ron Bernal responded, “No.”
“We respect the citizens right to carry,” Bittner added.
The council approved the item on a 3-0 vote.
Source: City of Antioch
Review Water Rates Study Including 10% per Year Increases & Set Public Hearing
Under Item 7 the council adopted a resolution to set a hearing for March 11th on water rate increases. City staff presented a Water Rates Study showing Antioch has the lowest single family monthly water bills of neighboring cities and a proposed increase of 10% per year on average. The City’s ratepayers get to provide their opinion to the council.
On Nov. 12, 2025, the previous council failed to approve the rate increases on a vote 2-1-1 with Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson voting yes, then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe voting no, Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain and then-Councilman Mike Barbanica absent. (See Item 8 of the Meeting Minutes)
“If the council should accept these, is the funding sufficient to pay our bills on an annual basis?” Freitas asked.
“Yes,” Tom Pavletic of Pavletic Consulting responded.
The Water Use chart for Calendar Years 2023-29 shows a one percent increase in projected water use for Fiscal Year 2024 but a one percent decrease in FY2025-27 and a two percent decrease in FY2028 and 2029. “I don’t understand for three consecutive years you’re showing a decrease,” Freitas stated.
“We put 100 new accounts per year in this model. But it’s a matter of conservation. In the past 15 years your single-family user class has reduced 15%,” the consultant responded. “Your rates are going to go up about 10% per year. That’s going to result in conservation.”
“You’ve gone from 375 gallons per year to 250 gallons,” he added.
Bernal stated, “you’re using 100 units per year. That seems a little bit low…for projections.”
“We looked at past models and past growth and that’s what comes in,” Pavletic responded. “When I do water rate studies, I never use the General Plan.”
Freitas asked, “What we’re asking is for an increase of about 10% a year?”
“Yes,” Pavletic responded.
Freitas pressed staff on the debt service for the water department on the 2019 Construction Installment Sale Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for the Brackish Water Desalination Plant. “Antioch is one of the few cities with its own water plant…and we have this new state of the art facility coming online,” Finance Director Dawn Merchant stated.
“For debt service, if we fall below, it’s going to be with us for a long, long time,” Freitas stated. “This is a very dangerous thing to get to for infrastructure financing. Why did we not have rate increases for five years? I don’t get it.”
“There was a number of reasons. Initially and honestly, the water system has enough funds to continue,” said Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting. “The same time as COVID was going on and giving the residents a break for two, two-year terms.”
“This is kind of a shock for people, 50% over five years,” Freitas stated. “I think we should do things incrementally…when we review the budget.”
“Are we taking into account the entire cost of the (brackish water) project?” Bernal asked. “Yes, Buenting responded.
Asked about the City purchasing less water from the Contra Costa Water District, Buenting responded, “That should be less.”
“Since we’re so close on our ratios we don’t want to have any surprises,” Bernal stated.
“When the water becomes brackish the desalination plant will be operational,” Buenting stated.
“This year?” Freitas asked.
“Yes. This year,” Buenting responded.
“I feel like we have no choice. The consumer cannot deal with these increases,” Freitas stated and made a motion to approve with Rocha later seconding the motion.
Public Comments on Water Rate Increases
“As a consumer, I don’t like it,” said resident Melissa Case. “But Don, you’re a blessing to this conversation. Now, I know where your strengths are. It looks like we have to find to pay our water bills.”
Former Councilwoman Ogorchock spoke next saying, “The council did not approve it. It was one abstention, two yesses and one no. That was the mayor. It wasn’t cost effective for our seniors, and I look out for our seniors.”
She asked about the effect of not voting for it and the possible move of $2 million into the enterprise fund.
Resident and local business owner Jim Lanter said the council had the responsibility for, “public safety, budget. We’ve got to make ourselves fiscally smart. I appreciate the questions, the tough questions. But nobody can afford 10%. I wish we had two-and-a-half percent a year.”
“Those little changes do matter. I would encourage the City to bring forward these rate hikes…and explore rate subsidies. We just have to fill that gap. There are plenty of opportunities out there,” Freitas stated.
“If there is any alternative flexibility for our seniors on fixed incomes,” Rocha mentioned. “This got kicked down the road. So, now we have to address what didn’t get done. But if we can look at our seniors and those who face the biggest struggle.”
“It gets to be a complicated legal issue if you use the enterprise fund to provide subsidies as it is a tax on other ratepayers,” Freitas mentioned.
“I do appreciate your expertise from your experience in the water industry,” Rochas said to Freitas who served on the CCWD Board for 16 years. “We probably should have taken action in 2023. But it is what it is and we have to address it.”
“I just want to make sure General Fund money has not been used to prop up the water fund,” Bernal asked.
“No,” Buenting responded.
“I think that 1.2% needs to be mentioned up front. For the public to understand,” Freitas added.
“I’d like to see something in the staff report to reflect what happens if we don’t pass this,” Bernal said to City Manager Bessie Scott.
The council then approved the process 3-0 which will include Hearing Notices being mailed out to account holders who get to provide input on the proposed rate changes. If written protests against the proposed rate changes are presented by a majority of the parcels or accounts, the city council will not enact the proposed changes. If a majority don’t protest, the council will then vote on a resolution to adjust rates and charges.
If approved, the new FY25 rates will begin May 1st and on Jan. 1, 2026, the new rates for FY 26 will be implemented. Then on July 1st of the following three fiscal years the rates for those years will be implemented.
Meeting Extended for Up to an Hour
The council then voted 3-0 to extend the meeting until midnight, one hour past the normal ending time of 11:00 p.m.
Discusses Annual Financial Reports
Under Item 9 the council considered the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024, inclusive of the City of Antioch Single Audit Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024.
“We were deficit spending for the past several fiscal years. We broke even this year. Do we have reserves or are they decreasing? Are we in a financial bind?” Freitas asked.
“As of today, we are not in a financial bind,” Merchant responded.
“We are putting together the 2025-27 budget. I think we will still have that deficit. We are still pulling together the numbers. We will be drawing down on our reserves. The budget stabilization fund which are using the fill the gap should only be used one time,” she continued.
“The ARPA money from the pandemic that ends in April, right?” Freitas asked.
“They had to be obligated by the end of December. But we have until 2026 to spend them. There are some programs that end, like Opportunity Village, that contract ends in April,” Merchant responded referring to the homeless motel on East 18th Street. “We have to look and see how much was allocated to that to continue. Once the money is spent from ARPA it’s gone.”
Freitas asked about claims during the campaign of a $90 billion reserve fund.
“That money is there but you can see $46.4 million of the Budget Stabilization Fund is committed. You really need to look at the $36.5 million,” Merchant stated.
“That’s the really true reserve,” Freitas stated. “Not the $90 million.”
“It’s really supposed to be for one-time projects,” Merchant stated.
“As we go into the budget we have transparency,” Freitas requested of Bernal. “These are real impacts to real people. I’d like the opportunity to educate the staff…the public. If there isn’t any money those projects are in jeopardy.”
“I think lumping the two funds together is misleading,” Rocha stated. “When you look at the ARPA funds which is about 20% of our budget…that’s a significant amount. We’re going to have to look to work with the County. We have a responsibility to be fiscally solvent and spending down our reserves is not the way.
If we can continue the services to our unhoused community maybe we can take housing off the table.” “Hearing some of the things, tonight, unless we come together and have partnerships in the region, there are going to have to be some serious cuts,” the District 2 councilman continued. “I know that’s not popular. But I didn’t sign up to be popular. We’re going to have to look at grant writing. Bernal then mentioned amounts of the net pension liability and asked, “Can you explain what the net pension liability is?”
“Is what CalPERS calculates the ultimate liability we have to pay current employees until their descendants are no longer alive,” Merchant responded. They’re calculated on mortality rates.”
“Other post-employment benefits you provide medical…for those employees under that plan…they’re estimated we have to pay until those employees are deceased,” she added.
“Can we break out that amount…on an annualized cost?” Bernal asked. “Yes,” Merchant responded.
The council then voted 3-0 to receive and file the report.
Item 11, the proposed emergency City staffing positions, was tabled until the next council meeting.
Following comments by the city manager offering “kudos” to a variety of City staff members and committee reports by the councilmembers the meeting adjourned at 11:27 p.m.
