Big Bear wastewater board sets FY2027 rates, adopts budget at March meeting

The Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency's Governing Board approved a package of rate changes and a fiscal year 2027 budget at its regular meeting on March 25, 2026, held at the agency's offices at 121 Palomino Drive in Big Bear City.

Sewer rates and standby charges

The Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. R.04-2026, amending sewer user charges for the coming fiscal year[1]. According to Finance Manager Christine Bennett, the new rate structure was presented to the Board at a February 24 budget workshop, and the annual increases are consistent with rates the Board approved in March 2025[1]. A public hearing on the sewer user charge increase drew no public comments.

Sewer standby — or "immediate availability" — charges will remain unchanged for FY2027 under Resolution No. R.03-2026, which the Board also adopted unanimously[1].

Waste disposal fee increase raises questions

The Board voted to increase waste disposal fees charged to pumping companies that deliver sewage to the regional treatment plant, adopting Resolution No. R.05-2026[1]. That fee category generates approximately $26,000 in annual revenue for the agency[1]. Unlike the other rate hearings, the public hearing on this item did include one public comment — though the minutes do not record what was said. Big Bear News has not yet been able to reach ratepayers or pumping companies to determine whether the increase drew concern. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the newsroom.

FY2027 budget adopted

The Board adopted Resolution No. R.06-2026, approving the agency's full operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2027, along with 10 proposed capital and operational activities[1]. Staff were directed to file a California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption for the approved projects[1]. The Finance Manager noted that no changes had been made to the budget since the February workshop.

Connection fee timing updated

The Board also finalized Ordinance No. 0.02-2026, which adjusts when connection fees must be paid[1]. Under the new rules, residential connection fees are due at final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy — unless an applicant chooses to pay earlier — while non-residential connection fees are due at the time of application[1]. The public hearing on this item drew no comments.

Leadership and committees

Chair Kendi Segovia and Vice-Chair Larry Walsh will continue serving on the Replenish Big Bear Advisory Committee; one public comment was heard during that agenda item, though the minutes do not record its substance. The Board also voted to maintain its existing internal committee assignments[1]. A proposal to rescind the prior officer election and establish a formal rotation system was discussed but ultimately set aside — no motion to rescind was made, leaving Segovia and Walsh in their leadership roles[1].

The agency's next regular board meeting date was not listed in the minutes. Residents can contact BBARWA at its offices at 121 Palomino Drive, Big Bear City, or visit the agency's website for agenda information. A Replenish Big Bear Workshop is scheduled for April 27, 2026.