Water Users May Get Refund of Deposits

Thousands of residents who have good credit records may be due a refund and an apology from City Hall after being required to pay deposits for water service.

City Treasurer Shari Freidenrich told City Council members earlier this week that a state law dating back to 1990 requires cities to waive water deposits for customers who can demonstrate “trustworthiness.”

A temporary policy was rushed into place, she said, allowing new applicants who have been in the city for two years without being assessed a late fee to receive the service with no deposits.

And a number of departments are working to revamp the system, which does not now allow water service to be started without a deposit, Freidenrich said. A new ordinance is also in the works and should be ready by the end of the year.

The city is holding about $2.4 million worth of deposits at the moment, she said.

City Council members said they were deeply sorry that the city had not followed the law, and some even suggested sending a letter of apology, although no action was taken this week.

“We’ve committed a major felony against the citizens of Huntington Beach,” Councilman Dave Garofalo said. “We owe an apology to the people.”