Rialto · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rialto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Baseline storm drain project
The council hired CASC Engineering for three years of NPDES stormwater compliance work. Members flagged confusion about who inspects private-property storm drains and asked whether aging drains need upgrades — a storm drain master plan is budgeted for next year.
$50,000 Water Conservation Grant and Rebate Programs
The regional water plan shows Rialto has five years of drought supply, but the Rialto-Colton basin is declining and doesn't recharge naturally. Recharge negotiations stalled for months but are restarting, with agreements hoped for by year's end — or the council may act to protect the city's water rights.
Rialto-Colton Groundwater Basin Decline
The regional water plan shows Rialto has five years of drought supply, but the Rialto-Colton basin is declining and doesn't recharge naturally. Recharge negotiations stalled for months but are restarting, with agreements hoped for by year's end — or the council may act to protect the city's water rights.
Sycamore sewer capacity
The existing Sycamore sewer line is 80% surcharged and at risk of overflows as the area grows. The new 15-inch trunk line serves everything north of the 210 freeway down to Baseline Road.
Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
The city wants to raise water rates 23% next year (then 18%, 17%, 3%, 3%) and sewer rates 5% a year to catch up on inflation and fund $32.7M in water and $70.3M in sewer capital projects. The council balked because it never approved the underlying capital plan and questioned where $35 million in prior rate-stabilization money went. Expect the fight to resume January 27.