The meeting will be held at the Adcock Community Center for any members of the public who wish to speak in person, though we do encourage all members to participate remotely.

The meeting will be:

Members or the public are welcome to submit comments (in accordance with the three-minute per speaker limit) via email to jblair@hmbcity.com prior to or during the meeting, via Facebook live during the meeting, and via two phone lines during the meeting – (650) 477-4963 (English) and (650) 445-3090 (Spanish).

The City Clerk will read all comments into the record.

The City of Half Moon Bay provides sewer services to more than 4,000 residential and non-residential customers in and around Half Moon Bay. The City’s system is comprised of 35 linear miles of sewer mains, three force mains, and three pump stations. Wastewater treatment is provided by the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM), which is an agency formed under a Joint Powers Authority with the purpose of providing wastewater treatment to its members – the City of Half Moon Bay, El Granada Community Services District, and Montara Water and Sanitary District.

The City and SAM take environmental stewardship seriously. Seven days a week City and SAM staff watch over the conveyance and treatment system to ensure its proper operation and maintenance to protect our precious local streams, beaches, and ocean from harmful contaminants.

The City has been proud to provide sewer services at rates well below those of most agencies in San Mateo County. Unfortunately, increased costs (including significant increases in SAM costs) have led to increases in fixed operating costs that leave the City with no option but to maintain fiscal sustainability through a rate increase. This represents the first requested rate adjustment in six years.

“Properly maintained pipes and infrastructure safely transport sewage which is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe community and ocean. Environmental stewardship, preventing spills, and ensuring safe and cleanly operations are of the highest priority,” said Adam Eisen, Mayor for the City of Half Moon Bay.

On March 17, 2020, the City Council will be holding an informational workshop to explain why an adjustment is needed and what the adjustment means to customers. City Council meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and this workshop will be part of the Council’s regular business items.

Starting March 12, 2020, please visit www.hmbcity.com/2020sewerrateadjustments for FAQs and more information.

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Located 28 miles south of San Francisco, the City of Half Moon Bay is a community of about 12,500 people, situated on the peninsula between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines that California has to offer. Its historic downtown is home to numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other businesses, and its celebrated beaches and parks are wonders of nature, accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. With its many activities and events, beautiful natural scenery, old-town charm, and abundance of retail and commercial services, Half Moon Bay is a regional destination. The City’s website is www.hmbcity.com.