San Mateo County proposes five‑year, tiered rate increases for Pescadero’s CSA 11 to shore up finances

San Mateo County public works staff told residents at a community meeting that they plan to ask the Board of Supervisors to set a public hearing on March 24 for proposed new water rates for County Service Area 11, the small Pescadero water system.

Christophe Litsai, deputy director overseeing engineering and resource protection, said staff are proposing a five‑year package that would raise monthly charges roughly 22% per year and preserve a tiered rate structure designed to encourage conservation. "Our proposed rates are actually below that threshold" of recent utilities inflation, he said, while also noting the increase is meant to cover operations, repay outstanding loans and fund a minimum reserve.

Why it matters: CSA 11 is a small coastal system with about 102 active connections. Staff told residents the system’s beginning fund balance is low (about $12,894) and that even with the proposed increases the system will run short in early years and likely require an additional loan (staff estimated at least $35,000) before reaching…