Contact: Rob Charles | 916-319-3362 | rob.charles@asm.ca.gov
For Immediate Release: Friday, October 13, 2023
Statement by Assemblymember Boerner on Governor Signing AB 399
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) issued the following statement today after the Governor signed AB 399, her bill requiring, as a condition of detachment for any public agency organized under the County Water Authority Act, that a majority of the voters within its jurisdiction vote to approve the detachment at a scheduled election.
“AB 399 is a good governance bill that seeks to give ratepayers a voice in decisions that impact the cost of one of their most basic needs: water. A recent decision by San Diego LAFCO exposed a glaring shortcoming in the process required for an agency to detach from the County Water Authority (CWA). The exit fees set by LAFCO for two agencies seeking detachment were far too low - almost $165 million too low by some estimates - and people throughout San Diego County will be forced to make up the difference in the form of higher monthly bills.
AB 399 will ensure ratepayers are protected by giving them a voice in decisions like these in the form of their vote. I was ecstatic to see this signed by the Governor today because it provides a necessary safeguard for families throughout San Diego County just trying to make ends meet.”
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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown and Coronado. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.