Board Approves Placing FY 2026-27 Sewer Charges on County Tax Roll

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's board held a brief special meeting to authorize the annual collection of sewer service charges through property tax bills and welcomed a new chemist who fills the lab's last vacancy.

• Board unanimously adopts Resolution 2026-009, authorizing FY 2026-27 sewer charges, assessment district fees, and voluntary program payments on the Contra Costa County tax roll
• Septic-to-sewer pilot effectively replaces older conversion program, financing up to $65,000 in total conversion costs for property owners
• New lab chemist brings 15 years of metals expertise, completing the district's laboratory staffing

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Sewer Charges Head to Tax Bills After Required Public Hearing

Why it matters: This is Central San's annual mechanism for collecting revenue from ratepayers. Every sewer service charge, assessment district fee, and voluntary program payment that property owners see on their tax bills flows from this resolution.

Where things stand: Staff member Thomas walked the board through the categories of charges authorized under Resolution 2026-009: the annual sewer service charge, contractual assessment districts (CADs), Alhambra Valley Assessment Districts (AVADs), voluntary programs for septic-to-sewer conversion and lateral replacement, and a non-residential capacity fee installment program.

State law and district code require a public hearing before these charges can be placed on the county tax roll. No members of the public commented.

Septic-to-Sewer Pilot Puts Older Program on Ice

The most substantive exchange centered on the relationship between two septic programs. Board Member Tad Pilecki asked about the difference between the older septic conversion program and the newer septic-to-sewer initiative.

Thomas explained that the older program only covered capacity fees, while the pilot is far more comprehensive. "The program will finance the construction costs, the Central San fees, the fees for county health to abandon the septic tank," he said, noting that property owners can finance up to $65,000 and pay through their tax bill rather than a large upfront sum.

As for the older program, Thomas was blunt: "Since it's a more encompassing program than the septic conversion, the septic conversion is, in effect, taking a nap."

Board Member Pilecki confirmed the logical endpoint: "In the future, if we were to make permanent the septic to sewer, then we would totally eliminate the septic conversion."

Board Member Jean Kuznik asked about the "AVAD" acronym in the exhibit materials. Thomas clarified that AVADs are Alhambra Valley Assessment Districts — essentially CADs in the Alhambra Valley area that carry additional financial incentives tied to the Alhambra Valley trunk sewer.

Decisions: Resolution 2026-009 passed 5-0 on a roll call vote. Board Member Michael McGill moved; Board Member Pilecki seconded. (For: Kuznik, Hockett, Pilecki, McGill, President Wedington; Against: none; Absent: none.)

What's next: The approved charges will appear on Contra Costa County property tax bills for FY 2026-2027. The board may consider formalizing the septic-to-sewer pilot as a permanent program at a future meeting.

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Minor Items

• New employee introduction: The laboratory supervisor introduced Delano Bayes as Central San's new Chemist I, making the lab fully staffed. Bayes brings 15 years of metals analysis experience from McCampbell Analytical in Pittsburgh and holds a mechanical engineering degree from UC Davis.
• Consent calendar approved 5-0 with no items pulled for discussion.
• June 2026 investment portfolio report received without comment.
• Admin and E&O committee minutes received without discussion.
• General manager reported no announcements beyond the board packet.
• Board member reports: Board Member Kuznik attended a LAFCO meeting on irrigation districts. Board Member McGill toured the Concord Youth Center with the Workforce Development Board Youth Committee, attended a joint Contra Costa–Alameda Special Districts associations meeting, and attended a Rinda Chamber board meeting. Board Member Pilecki praised the current Central San User Academy cohort as particularly inquisitive; President Wedington noted the group includes many engineers and credited staff for strong presentations.
• Elections update: The district secretary announced the elections period for Districts 2 and 3 is open until Aug. 7, with the next board meeting on Aug. 20.
• The board recessed to closed session with no reportable action from a prior closed session.