SAM is a joint powers authority (JPA) created by its three member agencies: City of Half Moon Bay (HMB), Granada Community Services District (GCSD), and the Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD).
The JPA is a separate, independent, public agency created by the member agencies to perform functions and share powers common to the member agencies. Those powers are outlined in a joint exercise of powers agreement (Agreement). The Agreement creating SAM can be found on the Documents page.
Each Agreement identifies how the independent agency will be governed. In the case of SAM, each member agency appoints two members from its governing board to represent it on the SAM Board of Directors, for a total of six directors.
The Agreement also establishes the weight of each director’s vote. The vote by each representatives from the City is given the weight of two votes. The vote by each representative from GCSD and MWSD is given the weight of one vote. The total number of possible votes is eight. A quorum is a minimum of five votes and resolutions require at least six votes to pass.
Regular Board Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7:00pm.
Locunity is a independent informational service and is not an official government page for this commission.We use AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review to publish information.
SAM counsel previewed a CASA law symposium featuring PFAS litigator Rob Bilott and flagged conflicting appellate rulings on Prop 218 tiered water rates.
Why it matters: Conflicting Court of Appeals decisions on Prop 218 tiered rates create legal uncertainty for all agencies setting water and sewer rates, while PFAS settlements could reshape wastewater treatment obligations.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
California Special Districts AssociationBoard of Directors15d agoApril 13, 2026
Chair Warns State May Siphon Special District Revenue for High-Speed Rail
Chair Slater-Carter reported from a CSDA legislative visit that pending state bills could redirect special district tax revenue to high-speed rail and force LAIF spending on community development.
Why it matters: If enacted, a proposed high-speed rail funding bill creating redevelopment-style districts around Caltrain stations could strip tax revenue from SAM and other special districts dependent on those funds.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
Coldwell EnergyBoard of Directors15d agoApril 13, 2026
SAM Advances Solar Project Under Tight IRS Deadline Pressure
Board continues public hearing and authorizes GM to negotiate a 25-year solar power purchase agreement with Coldwell Energy before a July 4 IRS deadline.
Why it matters: Missing the July 4, 2026 physical work deadline could kill federal tax incentives entirely, eliminating projected $3 million in energy savings over 25 years for the sewer authority.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
District ConsolidationBoard of Directors15d agoApril 13, 2026
Resident Demands Justification for Three Separate Sewer Districts
Half Moon Bay resident Chad Hooker urged the board to merge three coastside sewer districts into one, citing $2.9 million in litigation costs and duplicative governance.
Why it matters: Multiple grand jury and LAFCO reports have recommended consolidation; the recent lawsuit settlement between the districts creates a window to pursue unification.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
PFASBoard of Directors36d agoMarch 23, 2026
PFAS Superfund Listing Creates Potential Liability Exposure for SAM's Biosolids and Discharge Permits
SAM's attorney flagged federal PFAS hazardous substance listing and several state bills as emerging risks that could significantly impact wastewater operations and permitting.
Why it matters: Because PFAS bioaccumulates in the human body and enters every wastewater stream, the new Superfund designation could expose SAM to costly cleanup liability for routine operations.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
Coldwell EnergyBoard of Directors36d agoMarch 23, 2026
Solar Panels Moving to Rooftops to Sidestep Environmental Permits; Land Easement Negotiation Underway
SAM's solar vendor confirmed rooftop-only installation is financially viable, potentially needing only a building permit, but the 25-year PPA requires resolving a land easement with Half Moon Bay.
Why it matters: Rooftop installation could allow SAM to start generating solar energy within weeks of permitting, but the Army Corps study on sea-level rise and coastal infrastructure could complicate long-term land commitments.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
Force Main RefurbishmentBoard of Directors36d agoMarch 23, 2026
Force Main Costs Could Hit $13-14M, Requiring Mid-Year Budget Adjustment from Member Agencies
The Montara force main refurbishment is now estimated at $13-14 million total, up from $10 million, with the guaranteed maximum price due in May or June.
Why it matters: Member agencies face at least a $3-4 million shortfall requiring a mid-year budget adjustment, split proportionally by wastewater flow, once the contractor delivers its guaranteed maximum price.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
AIBoard of Directors36d agoMarch 23, 2026
Board Warns Staff to Avoid 'Over Budget' Phrasing to Prevent AI Misreporting
Directors urged staff to replace 'over budget' with clearer language like 'within expectations' to prevent AI-generated news from mischaracterizing SAM's financial health.
Why it matters: AI-powered news tools like Coastside News' 'Posty' already review SAM meeting records, and board members worry context-free language extraction could damage public trust.
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
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