IV. Public Participation Hearings

Public participation hearings were held in Monterey and Seaside on July 18 and September 16, 2006, respectively. The hearings were well attended. Several speakers expressed concern over the uncertainties associated with the surcharges proposed, as well as with the project itself. Some questioned the propriety of assessing surcharges for preconstruction costs when the project has yet to be issued a permit and there is an alternative project proposed by PSMCSD under consideration as well. Many acknowledged the need for major improvement in the water provision system, but worried that the rate increase was excessive.