The Ross Valley Sanitary District held a meeting on May 22, 2024, to discuss financial planning, rate structures, and capital spending strategies. The meeting began with a review of the district's financial plan, emphasizing the need for rate revenue to support ongoing operations and capital projects.

Key discussions highlighted that approximately 70% of the district's revenue is generated from rates, with an additional 25% coming from property taxes. The financial analysis indicated that the district's projected reserves were accurate, despite challenges faced during the pandemic. Over the past five years, the district successfully executed a $92 million capital program, enhancing infrastructure and system viability.

The meeting also addressed the district's cash reserves, which currently stand at $12 million in unrestricted funds, $5 million in capital reserves, and $9 million in restricted funds. The district's operating costs were broken down, revealing that treatment costs, debt service, and salaries account for significant portions of the budget.

Looking ahead, the district plans to transition to a cash-financed capital spending model, reducing reliance on debt. This approach is expected to be more sustainable for ratepayers in the long run. The proposed reserve policies include maintaining six months of operating costs and a minimum emergency reserve.

Rate increases were proposed at 4% for the first three years, followed by smaller increases in subsequent years. The existing rate structure will remain largely unchanged, with adjustments made to reflect updated water usage data for commercial customers. A property tax credit calculation was also discussed, indicating a slight reduction in rates for Ross Valley customers.

The meeting concluded with a comparative analysis of regional sanitation rates, showing that Ross Valley customers are positioned in the middle range compared to neighboring districts. The board acknowledged the importance of ongoing communication with the public and stakeholders throughout the rate-setting process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to financial sustainability and infrastructure improvement while ensuring that rate increases remain manageable for residents.