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Helix water rate hike approved despite backlash

On Wednesday night, families in the Helix Water District erupted in anger against a proposed water hike over five years, which would have them paying more than double.

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Customers of the Helix Water District face a big water bill hike. A heated meeting packed with angry residents couldn't keep the district from moving forward with a rate increase.

Wednesday night, families in the Helix Water District erupted in anger against a proposed water hike over five years, which would have them paying 56 percent over the next five years. 

A director held up 557 protest letters against the newly approved water hike. 

There is about 270,000 ratepayers, and the average bi-monthly bill is about $142, but by 2019, families in La Mesa, El Cajon, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove, using 26 units every two months, will be paying $223. 

"I am disgusted, and I am pissed off," said La Mesa resident, Cyndi Denny. 

The water district said an outside consultant study showed the water district is losing thousands of dollars every year because of the drought. 

Helix water families have cut back on water use by 29-percent since July, well beyond the state mandate to cut water use by 20-percent. 

"Absolutely ridiculous," said Dick Maulsberry. 

Some directors disagreed on whether the hike should be over two or five years because each time they go the table to increase rates, it costs $30,000 to send mandated notifications. 

"I look at it as a businessman. I look at it as a cost saving," said John Linden, Helix Water Director Div. 1. Linden voted for a five-year hike. 

"We were formed by the people for the people, and that is what local government is about," said Kathleen Hedberg, Helix Water Director, Div. 5. She voted against the rate hike. 

After a four-hour discussion, Helix Water ratepayers were rejected. 

They will be paying up to 56-percent more for water over five years. 

The rate increase starts in November, but because it's a bi-monthly bill, families will start paying more in January of 2016. 

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