Lake County board approves 25-year maintenance agreement with Clear Lake Oaks for 3.5-mile effluent pipeline

The Lake County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Lake County Sanitation District board, voted 3-2 to approve Amendment No. 2 on a maintenance-sharing agreement with Clear Lake Oaks Water District that covers a 3.5-mile effluent pipeline connecting the Northwest system to Southeast.

Director Boire told the board the amendment formalizes joint maintenance of the pipeline — monthly line walks and shared staff inspections — and provides that items costing over $10,000 will be discussed and split between the parties. "This new agreement with the Northwest Side, the steam suppliers are giving us $100,000 a year for 25 years with a 3% inflator, which equates to $3,645,000 over the 25 year plan," Boire said, describing part of the broader cost picture tied to a separate steam-supplier contract.

Board members emphasized that the amendment addresses maintenance only and does not change each district's responsibility for pumping costs. A public commenter and several supervisors urged the board to require updated financial spreadsheets showing how percentage shares are calculated and to review long-term allocations periodically.

The motion to approve Amendment No. 2 was made and seconded, and the board recorded the measure as carried on a 3-2 vote. The agreement extends maintenance-sharing for 25 years to align with the existing steam-supplier effluent arrangement; board members who questioned the long term said they would support shorter interim arrangements if up-to-date cost allocations are provided.

The board did not specify a schedule for the requested financial review during the meeting; members asked staff to provide clearer, current numbers and allocations by segment and percent so the board can confirm that ratepayers in Clear Lake Oaks are not paying more than their fair share.