Seaside County Sanitation District adopts FY 2026–27 operating and capital budget

The Seaside County Sanitation District board on May 19 approved the district’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 operating and capital budget, adopting a plan that projects $2.9 million in revenue and funds a slate of sewer capital projects.

Jesse Riley, finance director for the City of Seaside and the district’s finance manager, told the board the budget is "balanced as to available resources and planned expenditures." Riley said projected revenue is about $2.9 million, of which roughly $2.1 million — or about 72% — is expected from user fees and about $710,000 from property taxes.

The proposed operating expenditures are approximately $2.4 million, supporting roughly 6.2 full-time-equivalent positions in maintenance, engineering and administration. Riley told the board the district will roll forward $866,000 in multi‑year capital projects from FY 2025–26 and is proposing $3.2 million in new capital spending for FY 2026–27, including a sewer pipe replacement project focused around Noa Buena and Broadway, manhole improvements (noted as primarily in Sand City) and a Delray Park sewer upgrade.

Riley said a prior multi‑year lift-station overhaul cost more than $8 million and that capital spending has been reduced as the district completed those investments; the district’s fund-balance projections reflect a $2.6 million decrease once the proposed expenditures and roll-forwards are considered. Unrestricted fund balance was reported at approximately $4.7 million.

After staff presentation and no public comment, a board member moved to approve the budget and another board member seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice/sign vote. Board members thanked staff for preparing the budget and noted the importance of maintaining capital work to avoid deferred maintenance.

The district’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.