The Casitas Municipal Water District board Wednesday voted unanimously to raise water rates for farmers by 53 percent, citing repair needs.

More than 30 farmers packed the district boardroom to oppose the increase, saying it will help drive them out of business, thereby changing the rural, agricultural feel of the Ojai Valley.

"It's just one more nail in the coffin with this substantial water increase," said James Varney, who is getting out of the orange business and into flowers after most of his crop was lost in this winter's freeze.

Farmers will now pay about $312 for an acre-foot of water, compared to about $207 under the old rates. They were paying about one-third of what residential customers pay. Residential rates remain the same.

General Manager Steve Wickstrum said even with the increase, farmers are paying substantially less than those in San Diego or Carpinteria.

Farmers tried to fight the increase under Proposition 218. The measure allows voters to stop increases if more than half of the residents take up their cause. Farmers account for only 257 of the district's 3,000 meters and only about 75 letters of protest were filed — far short of the number needed.

Avocado farmer Roland Messori said that while the increase of about $4,000 won't force him out of business, it's one of the many costs that continue to add up. "This is not the end in water rate increases," he said, citing farmers paying twice his rate in San Diego.

Indeed, board chairman Russ Baggerly said that as water becomes an even more precious commodity, rates will go up. "Rate increases will happen every year," he said. "It's very difficult."

The district has many pumps and tanks that are in need of repair and have never had much maintenance in the district's 50-year history.

"When I hit 50, things started falling apart," Bill Hicks said. "It's kind of like that for the district."

Another user who can't afford the increase is the city of Ventura, which buys 6,000 acre-feet from the district annually.

Ventura Director of Public Works Ron Calkins said the city didn't budget the extra $400,000 it faces for its increase of about 30 percent. He said the city would have to buy only 4,800 acre-feet of water and get the rest from either the Ventura River or groundwater sources.

Farmers urged the board to work with them next year so that another hefty increase doesn't occur, and the board agreed.