City of Sausalito Transfers Sewer Collection Responsibilities to Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District

After extensive planning and coordination, the City of Sausalito has officially transferred responsibility for its sewer collection system to the Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District (SMCSD). This strategic transition will streamline service delivery, reduce billing confusion, support long-term infrastructure improvements, and achieve economies of scale for the community.

A More Unified Approach to Sewer Services

As of August 22, 2025, the City of Sausalito no longer owns or operates its sewer collection infrastructure, including pipelines and pump stations within city limits. SMCSD has now fully assumed these responsibilities.

Historically, SMCSD has owned and managed the conveyance pipelines that transport wastewater from Sausalito to its treatment plant, as well as the treatment plant itself. With this change, SMCSD has become the sole agency responsible for both sewer collection and treatment services within Sausalito, creating a fully integrated and more efficient system.

SMCSD also continues to own and manage the sewer collection system in Marin City, and provides treatment services for the Tamalpais Community Services District (TCSD) and the National Park Service (NPS).

How the Transfer Will Benefit Customers

• This transfer will not negatively affect ratepayers in Sausalito, Marin City, TCSD, or the National Park Service (NPS). Each customer base maintains separate rates based on the services they receive.
• Improved Efficiency and Strategy. Combining services under a single agency enables more effective and strategic management of the entire system.
• One Unified Bill. Starting in the 2026/27 tax year, Sausalito residents will receive a single sewer bill, replacing the current two-bill system.
• Higher Service Quality. A consolidated system supports better staffing, advanced technologies, and a higher overall level of service.
• Cost Savings. Eliminating redundancies helps reduce administrative and operational expenses.
• Better Infrastructure Planning. Standardized construction, inspection, and maintenance practices will now apply across the entire system.

Thanking Key Contributors

SMCSD General Manager Jeffrey Kingston emphasized that “SMCSD is proud of this change and extends its sincere thanks to the many individuals who played a vital role in making this transition possible.” Their foresight and leadership helped navigate the financial, operational, legal, and institutional complexities involved in the transfer.

Special recognition goes to the SMCSD Sewer Committee, including Dan Rheiner, Don Beers, and former Director Ann Arnott. Appreciation is also extended to SMCSD Board Members Barbara Rycerski and Shirely Thornton and former Directors William Ring and Jim DeLano.

The Sanitary District also gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Sausalito City Council (past and present), and the City’s Sewer Committee, including Jill Hoffman, Steve Woodside, and former Mayor/Council Member Ray Withy.

The operational transfer took place on Friday, August 22. The transfer was also approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, a key regulator for both agencies.