The Claremont City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 25 at its regularly scheduled meeting to consider a Resolution of Necessity– a resolution determining the necessity of the city’s acquisition of the water system and whether or not it is in the best public interest. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber at Claremont City Hall.

During that hearing, the community and Golden State Water Company will have an opportunity to address the city council to provide input. Should the council approve the Resolution of Necessity, which requires a 4/5 vote, the city would then file an eminent domain lawsuit with the court. The court would then review the city’s justifications for taking the system and determine the purchase price of the system based on valuations submitted by the city and Golden State.

For the past several months, the city of Claremont has been working on the terms of an operational agreement with the city of La Verne and has been analyzing potential rate structures with a utility rate consultant. These plans will be brought to the Claremont City Council at a future public meeting.

On a parallel track, according to a press release provided by the city, Claremont will continue representing its residents at upcoming California Public Utilities Commission hearings regarding Golden State’s current rate increase application. On November 4, approximately 71 percent of Claremont voters approved Measure W. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder will certify official results by the end of the month.

The California Public Utilities Commission will hold two public hearings in Claremont on December 8 at Taylor Hall to accept public testimony on the proposed rate increase. The hearings will be at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. More information on the acquisition process and general rate case protest may be found on the city’s website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us.