FAQ Topic: Public Works

What updates and enhancements will be included in SGC’s solid waste services for residents and businesses in the City if the new rates are approved?

SGC currently provides solid waste services to residents and businesses in the City, as listed online at sonomagarbage.com. If the new solid waste service rates are authorized by City Council, the new programs, services, and benefits will include: Enhanced customer service programs New carts, dumpsters, and debris boxes New collection vehicles New battery recycling service … Continued

What is organic waste?

Food Scraps, Coffee Grounds, Tea Bags Food-Soiled Paper Products Pizza Boxes, Coffee Filters, Napkins, To-go Bags/Boxes (no Styrofoam or Plastic) Green Waste Landscape & Pruning, Leaves, Flowers Lumber, Wood

How do I protest The proposed solid waste service rates?

You have the right to protest the proposed solid waste service rates. The protest must be in writing, and it must be submitted by either the property owner or a current ratepaying tenant. It must include the property service address and/or the assessor’s parcel number, the eligible individual’s name (property owner or tenant), a statement … Continued

Why are new solid waste service rates needed?

The City of Sonoma contracts with Sonoma Garbage Collectors (SGC) for solid waste (garbage, recycling, organics and other) services provided to residents, businesses, and the City. The City and SGC have negotiated changes to the contract which are necessary for several reasons. New programs and services are needed for the City to comply with the … Continued

What are the benefits of AMI?

AMI benefits both customers and the City water utility. Customers can easily access their water consumption data which is updated four times per day, helping them address questions about their usage, detect potential leaks early, reduce surprise water bills and help reduce water use. The AMI system reduces operating costs for meter reading and billing … Continued

Is AMI technology a wise investment?

Yes. The City evaluated AMI and found that the return on investment will save money for the City Water Utility over time, which in turn helps minimize water rates. AMI also improves customer service, and helps customers better understand their water use and costs so that they can take steps to improve water conservation efforts.

How does AMI work?

Your new water meter will include a cellular transmitter that will automatically send water usage data from your meter to the City’s billing system. Once your water meter is replaced, it will become part of the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure and your water meter will then be read remotely. The data will be stored in … Continued

Is my account information secure?

Yes. The AMI system only transmits the water meter readings, the meter identification number and diagnostic information to verify the equipment is operating correctly. Personal customer information is not transmitted. For additional security, the data is encrypted and transmitted over a secure cellular network.

Do the AMI communications devices meet Radio Frequency (RF) limits?

Yes. The cellular transmitters used for each meter are required to meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency limits. The signals used to transmit data from meters are much weaker than those from many everyday devices, such as cell phones, wireless internet routers, and baby monitors. In addition to being very low power, the meters … Continued

Will my water bill increase?

Installation of the AMI meter upgrade is being funded through current rates. After the upgrade, you might see an increase because the new meters record consumption more accurately than the old meters. As water meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. Many of the existing … Continued