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Board debate splits over consolidation and governance as directors decry lack of transparency
Summary
Directors traded views on whether the SRSD–CMSA contract is a step toward piecemeal consolidation or whether full consolidation/dissolution of the JPA is preferable; concerns included last-minute draft changes, indemnity language and potential indirect costs to RVSD ratepayers.
A sharp debate over governance and transparency marked Ross Valley Sanitary District’s discussion of a proposed SRSD–CMSA operations agreement.
Some directors criticized the process and the contract’s structure. Director Tom Gaffney said governance provisions were unresolved and warned the arrangement places one manager under two districts, calling it "a managerial impossibility." Other directors echoed concerns about indemnity, indirect costs and whether San Rafael might be subsidized by Ross Valley ratepayers.
At the same time, multiple directors said full consolidation remains a longer-term option. One director urged boards from San Rafael, Corte Madera and Ross Valley to come together to scope a full consolidation or dissolution of the JPA so responsibilities and employee pay structures could be standardized.
Board members also recounted past votes and governance changes (including recusal events) to explain why the current contract draft is controversial. Several directors told staff and counsel they would not support the current draft in the present climate of late edits and incomplete legal review.
The board did not vote to pursue dissolution or to initiate a consolidation study; rather, members instructed their CMSA appointees to oppose the specific management contract and encouraged inter-district discussions about long-term consolidation options.
This article is based on the board’s public hearing and discussion during Item 12.
