Water and sewer rate increases

A retired 37-year city employee on a fixed income said the utility bill isn't itemized clearly, the assistance-program website is confusing, and he doesn't qualify for discounts. He also suggested a paid internship program for local students interested in water science.

She protested the fee increases outright, saying raising costs during a city budget deficit — with employees losing jobs — is irresponsible and will hurt families already struggling to make ends meet.

Using humor (he brought a fan to sell), he warned the rate hike could push people who are barely getting by into eviction, and said landlords could use the increase as an excuse to raise rents far more than $5 a month.

A North Long Beach conservator who took the drought-tolerant landscaping rebate asked why bills keep rising even for careful water users, and suggested an incentive or rebate for households that consistently stay in the lowest usage tier.