Montara Board Locks In $12.4M in Sewer Spending as Consolidation Debate Simmers

The Montara Water and Sanitary District board unanimously approved two Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside budgets totaling $12.4 million for fiscal year 2026-27 — a combined increase of roughly 16% driven by a new union contract and a looming sewer force main deadline. A resident's pointed call to merge the coastside's three sewer districts drew no formal response but clearly animated the evening's discussion, as board members used every budget line to argue the multi-district model still delivers value.

• Board approves $11.5M SAM general budget, up 15%, with Montara's share at $2.35M

• Separate $912K collections budget passes with 20% increase, reflecting union contract costs

• Resident challenges the existence of three sewer districts, citing $2.9M in litigation spending

• Board nominates Director Slater-Carter for LAFCO seat to advocate for special district independence

• Another $131K in FEMA disaster funds received, pushing cumulative total past $1.7M

• District counsel pushes back on Public Records Act allegations, calling them "unfair" to staff

The board consented to a pair of SAM budgets for FY 2026-27 that together represent the largest line items on Montara's books — and both are growing faster than inflation.