Big Bear Lake DWP board recommends $53 water standby charge, wraps up Wolf Reservoir project

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power board took action on several notable items at its April 28 regular meeting, including recommending that City Council keep the annual Water Standby Charge at $53 for Fiscal Year 2027 and formally closing out the long-running Wolf Reservoir Replacement Project.

Standby charge heads to City Council

The board voted 4-0 to recommend the City Council adopt the $53 Water Standby Charge for FY2027, which would be collected alongside general property taxes on residents' annual tax bills[1]. Before the vote, Treasurer Craig Hjorth formally recused himself from the item, citing a financial and personal interest — the nature of which was not disclosed in the meeting minutes[1].

CFO Nathan Statham told the board that the standby charge has been in place since before California's Proposition 218 was passed, meaning the rate has remained unchanged for years. Statham noted that any future adjustment to the charge level would require a full Proposition 218 process — a public notice and protest procedure — and suggested that could be folded into the next rate study discussion[1].

No public opposition or comment on the charge was recorded in the minutes. Because the fee appears on property tax bills for water customers across the valley, residents who wish to weigh in will need to do so when the item comes before the City Council. That vote has not yet been scheduled, and Big Bear News will report when it is.

Wolf Reservoir project formally closed

The board also voted 5-0 to authorize staff to file a Notice of Completion with San Bernardino County for the Wolf Reservoir Replacement Project, with Paso Robles Tank, Inc. named as the contractor of record[1]. In the same meeting, the board approved Change Order No. 6 to the Paso Robles Tank contract, which reduced the total contract amount by $18,000[1].

Budget and infrastructure discussions

In a review of the FY2027 draft budget, Statham explained that a bump in the Conservation Department's personnel costs reflects scheduled pay step increases for two employees, a promotion of the Conservation Specialist to a Level II position, and the addition of benefits coverage for one staff member[1].

Treasurer Hjorth flagged an upcoming infrastructure decision, asking that a planned replacement of the utility's SCADA system — the computer network that monitors and controls water infrastructure — be placed on a future board agenda for a more in-depth discussion[1].

General Manager Reggie Lamson also shared that Congressman Obernolte recommended the DWP for additional project funding. At Commissioner Cylwik's request, staff will draft a formal letter of appreciation to the congressman[1].

What's next

The City Council must now vote on whether to adopt the $53 Water Standby Charge resolution for FY2027. The timing of that council meeting had not been confirmed as of the DWP board meeting. Residents with questions can contact the DWP Board Secretary at (909) 866-5050. Big Bear News will follow up when the council date is set and when the nature of Treasurer Hjorth's recusal is clarified.