SAN DIEGO — A La Jolla man has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego just weeks after water rates went up.
The lawsuit alleges San Diego imposes "above-cost rates unilaterally" and is doing so without voter consent, both of which the plaintiff claims is a violation of Proposition 218, which is supposed to protect taxpayers from certain increases without their approval.
Last September, the San Diego city council voted to raise water rates by nearly 20% over 13 months. The first rate increase went into effect December 1.
In July, we'll see a 5.2% jump, followed by an 8.75% increase next January. Several people spoke out at that meeting to oppose the rate hikes.
The plaintiff named in the lawsuit says he submitted a written complaint.
Essentially, he says customers should pay for the water they use, but should not be on the hook for anything more than what that water costs, unless voter say its ok.
CBS8 reached out to the City Attorney's office. We have not heard back.
CBS 8 also tried contacting the attorneys listed on the lawsuit, as well as the plaintiff himself. We are still waiting for a response.
The lawsuit seeks class action status, meaning other water customers can jump on board.
The lawsuit was filed by the Gould Law Firm. To contact the attorneys involved, click here.
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