Freedom County Sanitation District Sewer Charge Increase and Public Hearing
The Freedom County Sanitation District (FCSD) is a non‐profit public agency providing sewage collection, treatment, and disposal service to the Freedom area. To continue to protect the environment and public health, the sewer system requires constant maintenance and updating. The District annually reviews sewer charges to ensure they adequately fund the system to meet the needs of the community utilizing our service.
Why are sewer charges proposed to increase?
This sewer charge increase is driven by two main factors. The first is that the cost for the City of Watsonville to treat the sewage from the District has increased 1.2% over last year. The second is that the District’s pump stations need upgraded equipment to keep them functioning reliably and prevent sewer spills, especially during power outages. The proposed increases have undergone careful consideration and analysis to strike a balance between meeting the needs of the system and providing an affordable service for residents.
Public Hearing on April 30, 2024
The District is committed to transparency and engaging the community in the decision-making process regarding the proposed sewer charge increases. Your input is invaluable and important in decisions that directly impact you. A public hearing has been scheduled for April 30, 2024. This is an opportunity for you to express your opinions, ask questions, and learn more about the proposed charge increases.
Date and Location
Date: April 30, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: 701 Ocean Street, 5th Floor, Santa Cruz, California
To participate virtually, use the following link to access the Board Agenda the Zoom link: http://santacruzcountyca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2039
Any property owner(s) within the District, may present verbal and/ or written protest to the Board of Directors on the proposed charges, and the Board will consider all oral and written protests. In order to be counted, protests must be in writing and include the following:
- the service address for the parcel affected by the charge increase;
- the assessor’s parcel number for that property;
- a statement of protest;
- and the name and signature of the individual qualified to protest the charges.
Only one written protest will be counted for each individual parcel. Mailed protest must be received by April 25, 2024.
Mail to: Departmental Analyst, Freedom County Sanitation District, Governmental Center, 701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.