In November 1996 the state's voters passed Proposition 218, which requires a public vote on benefit assessments but exempts water and sewer rate increases if a cost of service study shows a relationship between the rates and the agency's cost to provide service. On September 12 the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board approved a professional services contract for a water, recycled water, and wastewater cost of service and rate study.The board’s 5-0 vote approved a professional services agreement with IB Consulting, which is based in Temecula, to conduct the studies. IB Consulting will be paid $398,712, and the studies will also address updates of the district’s water shortage surcharge and financial plan.A rate setting policy can be in effect for up to five years and
