City Manager
| Office: (831) 623-4661 Fax: (831) 623-4093 |
Email: citymanager@san-juan-bautista.ca.us |
PO Box 1420
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
“The City Manager shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all the affairs of the City which are under his/her control. The City Manager shall have the power and authority to properly perform any duty assigned to him/her by the City Council or by other process of law.” – SJBMC Chapter 2-2
City Managers Monthly Report:
A message from the City Manager.
By Don Reynolds, City Manager
As published in the February issue of the Mission Village Voice
Water & Sewage Systems Improvements
The following is a status report on how the City remains focused on improving its sewer and water systems. The City’s Capital Improvement Budget is carrying the $18 million wastewater project and next fiscal year the $15 million drinking water project will be added.
The sewer rate increase approved in 2021/22, will pay the debt service on a $10 million dollar loan from the USDA. $8 million in state and federal grants will pay the balance. This includes the $900,000 fine owed to the State, $700,000 of which can be used for the sewer project. The sewer line to Hollister has been under construction since last fall, targeting spring 2025 for completion.
The water rate increased approved in 2021/22 will pay for part of the import of drinking water project. The project’s pipeline design is now settled, and moving ahead quickly. This allows the environmental work to move forward, which is necessary to attract state and federal grant and loan support. Formal funding requests have been submitted for grants and loans to every State and Federal representative in time for their next budgets.
Since December, the City has been verifying its data in regards to different strategies for blending the imported surface water with the City’s ground water. Its purpose is to demonstrate to regulators and industrial customers the limited ability of the City and the region to meet strict standards for chloride. Three growers rely on ground water & produce 1/3 of the City’s wastewater being sent to Hollister. Hollister’s new chloride limits are stricter than the City’s current limits.
After the water project is complete, the City will have to enforce its current law that bans the use of brine producing water softeners. We all have to work together to improve the City’s water.