COCOTAX INVITES YOU TO ATTEND A BOARD/MEMBERS LUNCHEON MEETING ON FRIDAY MAY 24, 2024 AT 11:45 AM
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a LUNCHEON Board /Members Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday MAY 24, 2024 at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay ONLINE, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.
INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKERS featuring Central Contra Costa Sanitary District representatives, Roger S. Bailey and Philip Leiber. Central San appreciates the opportunity to address the Contra Costa County Taxpayers Association on a matter affecting not just members of this community, but businesses and residents Bay-wide. Their presentation will be: Baywide Nutrient Treatment Requirements: A Look at the Treatment, Costs and Cost Effectiveness.
Roger S. Bailey has served as Central San’s General Manager since 2013. Central San is a progressive sanitary district providing wastewater collection and treatment services to nearly half a million residents in central Contra Costa County. Since coming to Central San, the District has become one of the most financially sustainable water sector utilities and was inducted into the Leading Utilities of the World network. Its treatment plant has won the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Platinum Award for ten consecutive years. He previously headed City of San Diego Public Utilities Department; and served as Deputy City Manager and Utilities Director for the City of Glendale, Arizona; Utilities Director for the City of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Assistant Utilities Director for the City of Valdosta, Georgia. He currently serves on several boards including John Muir Health System (Vice-Chair), California WateReuse (Vice-President), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and California Association of Sanitary Agencies. He is a registered professional engineer in Arizona and Florida. His education includes M.S. and B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from Florida A&M University, and a B.S. degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Winnipeg, Canada.
Philip Leiber, Deputy General Manager-Administration, has been employed by the Central San since 2016. He oversees functions including Finance, Information Technology, Communications/Intergovernmental Affairs, Strategic Planning and Risk Management. He previously served in utility leadership positions including as Chief Financial Officer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Seattle City Light, and the California Independent System Operator. Philip has about 30 years of financial management experience. Mr. Leiber earned a Master’s Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board will be conducting a public hearing on June 12th as part of the process for issuing a new regional Nutrient-Watershed Permit. Those concerned with the environment, including wastewater agencies, support the reduction of nutrients entering the Bay. However, Central San believes a more balanced approach is necessary, as public agencies under new requirements, will have to spend over $11 Billion dollars of ratepayer money, without assurance these improvements will have any visible positive difference to the biotic system of the Bay. For Central San alone, the capital costs are anticipated to be $665 million over a 10-year period. Instead, a better approach would be to allow Central San and other agencies to treat the wastewater and recycle it, by putting it back into the region’s water supply portfolio. This approach will require collaboration between local, State and Federal agencies, and consequently more time. What can taxpayers do to ensure the approach chosen is cost effective? A letter? A call to action? Since we will bear the burden in our property tax bills, how do we get a voice? Our voices are critical to the outcome of this discussion. Can we make our concerns known to the Regional Water Board during public comment due by June 8? Can taxpayers say “NO” to the proposed draft permit as it is currently written? Come and listen to the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Representatives!
