Los Osos residents can protest a proposed sewer rate on July 18

Los Osos property owners will soon have an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding proposed sewer rate changes. 

The annual "Right to Vote on Taxes" process has been scheduled by San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors for July 18. The proposed sewer charges, which will appear on property tax bills, only cover the financing portion of the $183-million sewer project and not the actual flow of water from properties, according to Estero Bay News. The charges vary depending on water usage. 

The county's assessment district for the sewer system does not include all of Los Osos, as certain areas were not required to connect to the communitywide system. 

The county public works is responsible for providing sewer service in Los Osos, including the Monarch Grove subdivision near Sunset Terrace. 

In 2020, the county passed an ordinance allowing for rate increases under the state's Proposition 218, which mandates an annual protest vote by ratepayers to contest any increases. 

However, sewer and water services are considered essential, making the protest largely a formality to ensure the provision of these basic services.