SAM Board Celebrates End of Half Moon Bay Legal Fight, Confronts Steep OPEB Funding Gap

The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside Board (SAM) of Directors opened its Feb. 23 meeting with rare good news — the end of a costly legal dispute with Half Moon Bay — then pivoted to a sobering reality: the district has funded less than 4% of its retiree health care obligations. The evening also surfaced key updates on a consent decree deadline, a relocated solar project and shifting wastewater flow shares among member agencies.

• Half Moon Bay drops appeal in longstanding SAM dispute, clearing the way for the district to redirect legal spending toward operations

• SAM's retiree health trust holds just $36,133 against an $828,000 liability — actuary recommends $94,225 in annual contributions to close the gap

• Caldwell solar project finds a new home inside the treatment plant; public hearing expected at the next board meeting

• Montara Force Main deadline looms: environmental group's attorneys check in as June 30, 2027 completion date approaches

• Half Moon Bay's flow share slightly rises to 61.2%, and the city signals its own metering study could reshuffle future cost allocations

Why it matters: A protracted legal battle between SAM and the City of Half Moon Bay has consumed board attention and district resources for years. Its resolution removes a major distraction and could reset the political dynamics of a board that draws members from three different agencies.