San Mateo County staff propose five-year rate increases for CSA 11 to address operating shortfall

San Mateo County Department of Public Works staff on Oct. 29 laid out a proposed multi-year rate plan for County Service Area 11, saying the small special district’s existing charges do not cover routine operations and that its fund reserve was only $12,897 at the end of the last fiscal year.

Christophe Lise, deputy director with the Department of Public Works, said the district’s current revenue—derived only from water sales, meter service charges and connection fees—falls short of expenses. “The current rates do not adequately support the system operation and maintenance activities and our fund reserve as of the end of last fiscal year… is only at $12,897,” Lise said. He told attendees expenses for the current fiscal year are projected near $130,000 while revenues are about $95,500.

Why it matters: CSA 11 serves roughly 102 connections and does not receive…