Water Bills Late This Month, Lawsuit Blamed

Water bills are late this month, and it’s a direct result of a recent court ruling that found the San Juan Capistrano rates unconstitutional, according to the city.

In City Manager Karen Brust’s weekly update this week, she wrote that there is an “interruption to our normal billing cycle.”

When asked about it, Patch received this emailed response: “The interruption is expected to be 2-3 weeks late and is related to the [Capistrano Taxpayers Association] lawsuit.”

The group of taxpayers sued the city last year over the tiered water-rate structure, among other items. Just last month, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled the rates and an extra fee for reclaimed water – to which most water customers do not have access – violate the state Constitution.

The City Council has since decided to appeal the decision, and the city’s lawyer has advised officials to keep sending the bills as always.

“Customers will have at least 45 days from the date the bills go out in order to pay the amount due,” said Lori Doll, spokeswoman for the city.