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Board advances $217.7 million water bond appropriation and staffing changes for WESIP; supervisors request more transparency
Summary
Staff from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission told the committee the Water System Improvement Program is on schedule and on budget; the committee advanced a $217.7 million bond appropriation and amendments adding program positions but several supervisors sought a public hearing for more detailed progress, staffing justifications and clearer reporting on expenditures.
The Finance Committee moved forward a request from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to appropriate $217,736,000 in Water Revenue Bond proceeds for the Water System Improvement Program (WESIP) and to amend staffing allocations for the PUC and city attorney’s office.
Susan Liao, SFPUC general manager, and Tony Irons, deputy general manager, told supervisors the multi‑billion‑dollar program is on schedule and that a number of projects have advanced from design to construction. "This program is on schedule. It is on budget," Liao said, and Irons noted 19 projects are currently in construction and the program is moving from planning into full design.
Several supervisors raised concerns about notice to constituents, the addition of 23 permanent positions (including construction management and legal staff), and how soft costs and oversight dollars are being spent. Supervisor Juh requested more public hearing time and a clear, systematic breakdown of encumbered amounts, project progress and staffing transitions from capital to operating roles. The budget analyst recommended approval given the materials provided but asked that the PUC supply detailed staffing justifications as projects evolve.
The committee adopted amendments to the salary ordinance as proposed and forwarded the bond appropriation and staffing measures with recommendation to the full board, while supervisors indicated they may request additional hearings or quarterly reports to improve transparency.
Next steps: items forwarded with recommendation; supervisors requested additional reporting and the option to calendar further hearings on program progress.
