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Annexation Update from the City

We are encouraged by these updates, particularly by the City’s stated commitment to a transparent public process that invites broad community participation and ensures residents have meaningful opportunities to weigh in at every stage. At the same time, we remain cautious, as it is important that this process truly invites feedback rather than presenting decisions as already made. It is essential that community voices, especially those most directly affected, are genuinely heard and considered throughout discussions about potential annexation, including concerns about services, taxes, autonomy, and long-term planning. We look forward to continuing to share information as it becomes available and to supporting a process that reflects the needs and priorities of the entire community.

Ukiah Valley Water Authority To Raise Rates

The Ukiah Valley Water Authority is proposing a multi-year schedule of water-rate increases beginning March 1, 2026, followed by annual increases each July through 2029. While customers within the City of Ukiah would see a total increase of about 18% over that period, residents in unincorporated communities would shoulder far steeper hikes, roughly 54–55% in Millview, Redwood Valley, and Willow, and more than 36% in Calpella, even after a 14% increase imposed in 2025. The scale of this disparity raises serious concerns about affordability and the long-term financial stability of these communities.

These proposed increases do not stand alone. After earlier, large-scale annexation efforts were withdrawn amid strong public opposition, the City has continued to expand its influence through service contracts administered via UVWA. Under these agreements, historically independent water districts have transferred staff, vehicles, equipment, and day-to-day operations to City control, with little ability to reverse course. As administrative costs rise and local autonomy diminishes, the timing and magnitude of the rate increases have intensified worries that financial pressure is being used to make annexation or permanent consolidation seem unavoidable.

The process is moving quickly. UVWA finalized its recommendations in early December. Proposition 218 protest notices are already being mailed, a public hearing is expected in late January, and final approval could come by mid-February, putting the first increase into effect by March.

If a majority of affected parcel owners submit written protests before the hearing, the increases cannot be approved. Each protest form functions as a ballot, making prompt participation, and encouraging neighbors to do the same, critical as communities weigh whether these increases truly reflect unavoidable costs or primarily serve to expand City control and revenue at their expense