DWP Board Recommends $53 Water Standby Charge for FY 2027, City Council Decision Pending

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on April 28, 2026 to recommend that the City Council adopt a $53 Water Standby Charge for Fiscal Year 2027, with the fee to be collected alongside general property taxes[1].

The standby charge is an annual fee assessed on properties connected to the DWP water system. By routing it through the county property tax roll rather than billing separately, DWP CFO Nathan Statham argued the approach ensures "administrative efficiency and consistent revenue collection"[1]. In plain terms: fewer bills to mail, fewer payments to chase.

Treasurer Craig Hjorth formally recused himself from the vote, citing a financial and personal interest in the item[1]. The remaining four commissioners approved the recommendation unanimously.

One detail worth noting for the long term: the standby charge was established before California's Proposition 218 took effect, meaning the $53 rate cannot simply be raised at a future board meeting. Any increase would require a full Prop 218 process — including public notice and a ratepayer protest period — which Statham suggested could be folded into the DWP's next rate study[1]. Whether any property owners spoke for or against the charge at the April 28, 2026 meeting could not be confirmed from the available minutes.

In other business, the Board unanimously wrapped up the Wolf Reservoir Replacement Project, approving a contract reduction of $18,000 with Paso Robles Tank, Inc. and authorizing staff to file a Notice of Completion with San Bernardino County[1].

What's next: The $53 standby charge recommendation now goes to the Big Bear Lake City Council for a formal vote. Residents who want to weigh in should watch for the item on an upcoming City Council agenda. Contact City Hall for meeting dates and public comment procedures.