20J (02)To:
City Clerk
City of Anaheim
P.O. Box 3222
Anaheim, CA 92803
Re: Public Comment - Opposition to Proposed Fee Increases for Solid Waste and
Wastewater Services
Date: May 5, 2025
Dear City Clerk and Members of the Council,
My name is David Martinez, and I am a resident of Anaheim currently living at
Anaheim, CA 92805. 1 am writing to formally oppose the
proposed increases to solid waste and wastewater fees, as outlined in the public notice for
the hearing scheduled on June 17, 2025.
1. Lack of Financial Transparency
The notice fails to provide a detailed breakdown of rising costs, specific vendor contracts,
or trends that would warrant an increase. Without clear financial documentation and
justification, residents like myself are unable to fully evaluate or support the rationale
behind these changes.
2. Disproportionate Impact on Working Families and Fixed -Income Households
As a healthcare professional and Nursing Clinical Director at MLK Community Hospital, I
witness firsthand the financial strain many families in our community are already facing.
Applying a uniform rate increase without income -based considerations places an unfair
burden on vulnerable residents.
3. Unclear Efforts to Reduce Costs Internally
The City has not disclosed whether it has pursued operational efficiencies or cost -
containment strategies prior to proposing these increases. A public rate hike should only
follow demonstrated internal accountability and cost control.
4. Limited Community Access and Engagement
Scheduling the hearing at 5:00 p.m. on a weekdaywith minimal outreach may limit
participation from working professionals and caregivers. I strongly urge the City to allow
more time and ensure equitable access to this process.
5. Pattern of Incremental Fee Increases Without Outcome Transparency
This appears to be part of a recurring trend of rate hikes without clear reporting on service
improvements or environmental benefits. As residents, we deserve to see how our
contributions lead to measurable outcomes, not just higher bills.
6. Unjustified and Uneven Rate Hikes Across Service Types
Upon reviewing the breakdown of proposed fees, the increases vary across service types,
with some rates increasing significantly more than others. For example:
A standard Residential 96-gallon Solid Waste bin is proposed to increase from
$29.96 to $31.16 per month — nearly a 4% increase.
• For commercial customers, many rates are rising by 5% to over 10%, depending on
bin size and service type.
• Wastewater Maintenance Fees for single-family residential homes would increase
from $28.13 to $29.24, another 4% rise —adding to the burden for homeowners
already paying rising utility costs.
These increases, while seemingly modest individually, are cumulative and applied at a time
when residents are already grappling with inflation, housing instability, and healthcare cost
pressures. Moreover, there is no evidence of improved service quality or community benefit
attached to these price hikes.
Recommendation:
I respectfully request that the City delay or reject the proposed increases until:
• A full itemized cost breakdown is shared publicly,
• Equity -based tiers or hardship exemptions are explored,
• Internal cost -saving measures are implemented and disclosed, and
• A more inclusive public engagement process is conducted.
I appreciate your time and attention to this matter and hope the City prioritizes
transparency, equity, and accountability in its final decision.
Sincerely,
David Martinez
Anaheim, CA 92805
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