At the November 18 meeting of the MMWD Board of Directors the board voted to set aside $4.9 million from operating reserves from the 2013/14 fiscal year to boost the district's rate stabilization fund, making the funds available in the 2014/15 fiscal year. Created in 2012 as part of the issuance of revenue bonds, this fund allows the district to set aside gross revenue from one year to be used in the calculation to meet the district's annual debt service ratio in any future year and to be used for any other lawful purpose.

Transferring the $4.9 million increases the balance of the rate stabilization fund to $7.3 million. The unrestricted/undesignated reserve fund balance is $21 million. 

Earlier this year MMWD was one of four local public land managers to join forces with a non-profit for the benefit of Mt. Tamalpais. An innovative and integrated approach to the stewardship of public lands, the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) combines the resources, skills, and expertise of MMWD, the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin County Parks, and the nonprofit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The purpose of the new collaboration is to maintain the long-term health and preservation of the nearly 10 square miles of local, state, and national lands that encompass the Mt. Tam region.

 

Now, the TLC has launched OneTam to build community involvement by engaging more volunteers in caring for Mt. Tam's resources and renewing the spirit of philanthropy fundamental to the preservation of the mountain for the past 100 years.

MMWD is in the process of upgrading Forbes Hill Reservoir, one of Marin County's oldest treated water storage facilities, in order to extend its useful life beyond the current 120 years. Forbes Hill Reservoir, located on a hilltop in west San Rafael, was built in 1894 by one of MMWD's predecessors, the Marin County Water Company. The upgrade involves the installation of a new liner and an aluminum roof, which will extend the useful life of the reservoir, provide increased protection for the water supply, improve worker safety, and reduce maintenance.

 

Preliminary work on this project began in July. In October MMWD took the reservoir out of service to allow for the major construction work to be completed during the winter months when overall water consumption is at its lowest. The project will be completed in May 2015. Learn more about this project.