Beutner questions validity of L.A. fee hikes

Mayoral hopeful targets incumbent Bass over costs. She stands firm on need.

- DAVID ZAHNISER

MAYORAL HOPEFUL Austin Beutner wants a special session of the City Council to discuss the fees.

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner took aim at the rising cost of basic city services Thursday, saying Mayor Karen Bass and her administration have contributed to an affordability crisis that is “crushing families.”

Beutner, appearing outside Van Nuys City Hall, pointed to the City Council's recent decision to increase trash collection fees to nearly $56 per month, up from $36.32 for single-family homes and duplexes, and from $24.33 for threeand four-unit apartment buildings.

Since Bass took office in December 2022, the city has also hiked sewer service fees, which are on track to double over a four-year period. In addition, Beutner said, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has pushed up the cost of water and electric service by 52% and 19%, respectively.

"I'm talking about the cost-of-living crisis that's crushing families," he said. "L.A. is a very, very special place, but every day it's becoming less affordable.”