Coronado residents and businesses will see steep increases in sewage fees beginning next year as the city grapples with rising costs and failing infrastructure.
The City Council voted July 21 to accept increased sewer service charges in order to start reaping the higher annual fees.
These fees will go back to the city’s wastewater system to help improve its outdated pipelines.
Coronado collects those fees from property owners through regular San Diego County property tax bills, which the county then forwards to the city.
To start collecting fees, the city had to complete a multi-step public review process required by state law. The first step was to prepare a written report describing the charge for each parcel.
Before the increased tax assessments could be finalized, the council had to address any objections or protests from residents.
Council members voted unanimously to approve the report.
Single-family homeowners on the island will see their sewage rates skyrocket by more than 50% over the next six years, and local restaurants will face fee increases of 35% under the new wastewater rates.
Before the increase, single-family units paid just under $49 a month for wastewater services. By 2031, they will pay just under $77. Commercial businesses paid around $59 and will end up paying around $138 by 2031.
According to the city’s report, 2026 is the first time in seven years that the sewer rates increased.
Municipal staff and a professional rate consultant conducted an 18-month study to figure out appropriate rate increases.
There are 18 customer classes that pay for the wastewater system, according to the city. That includes single- and multi-family homes, hotels, schools, Navy bases and restaurants.
