Sewer authority flags budget pressure, schedule for Montero force main ahead of June 2027 deadline
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Summary
Board and finance committee reviewed CCTV results showing many newer mains, discussed contributions and overruns on ongoing infrastructure projects, and warned that the Montero force‑main replacement — required by a consent decree — creates a tight budget and permitting timeline with a June 2027 completion target.
Board and staff spent significant time on Jan. 15 reviewing sewer infrastructure, recent CCTV findings and the district’s capital budgeting approach, and warned that the Montero force‑main replacement will put pressure on reserves and near‑term budgets.
Engineering staff reported CCTV inspections revealed many sewer lines newer than previously thought, reducing immediate replacement needs in some areas but raising questions about project prioritization. "Our flow last month, actually, was 15.6%, and that's going down," a staff member said, noting that lower flows could reduce treatment costs but that storm events still produce large peaks.
Directors and finance committee members walked through multi‑year projects and noted that many ongoing projects have exceeded their original budgets (the board cited average overruns of roughly 40% across carryover projects). Board leadership said a district reserve originally set aside for the Montero force main has been used in part to cover older projects and incidentals, and asked staff to produce monthly, project‑level reporting to improve transparency.
Of particular urgency, the board referenced a consent‑decree requirement (ERF) to complete the Montero force main by June 2027. A director said the district must show progress to partner agencies and may seek schedule relief if design and permitting are progressing. Staff and board members discussed moving the force‑main design forward while slowing other CIP items temporarily to preserve reserves.
Directors asked that staff work with member agencies and the authority’s counsel to ensure funds designated for specific projects are tracked and spent for their intended purpose and to return a proposed budget format to the finance committee and board.