This public letter was contributed by former Hollister Mayor, Mia Casey. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aqui.
Public service comes with disagreement. I understood that when I ran for office. What I didn’t expect is a year after leaving office, my name would still be invoked over almost every new issue. It is exhausting to be used this way, as an explanation for every problem, especially when facts say otherwise.
I’m human. I live here with my family, children and grandchildren. My reputation matters to me. And when misinformation is repeated by elected officials playing political games, it can take on a life of its own. The thing is, this doesn’t just hurt me–it affects how much residents believe what they’re being told.
Right now, trust in local government feels fragile.
A recent video by Councilmember Resendiz claims he “warned everyone” new housing would cause sewer problems and suggested that decisions made in 2023 are behind the latest odor issue. Both he and Mayor Stephens went on TV blaming previous council, claiming we did not take action. This deflection, along with a continued false underlying narrative the sewer plant was “doubled” in size to allow housing growth, is simply not accurate.
When infrastructure problems are turned into political talking points, it erodes trust in local government.
Let’s walk through what actually happened.
No Taxpayer Dollars Used
Despite the video claims, bioreactor replacements and other sewer upgrades were paid from Sewer Enterprise Funds which are funded primarily by developer impact fees–not taxes!
The Sewer Plant Was Not “Doubled” in Size
When the wastewater plant was rebuilt in 2008, it was designed to handle up to 8.0 million gallons per day (MGD) before any major structural expansion would be needed. There were four bioreactors in the plant that could process waste up to 1.0MGD each. With that configuration, the state issued a discharge capacity permit in 2008 that the plant was certified to operate up to 4.0 MGD. That 4.0 MGD limit has remained to this day. Replacing equipment does not change the state allowed capacity limit for sewage flow.
So to be clear:
• The plant footprint was not expanded.
• The 8.0 MGD design capacity has existed since 2008.
• The state-certified operating limit has remained at 4.0 MGD since 2008.
No doubling occurred. Replacing failing equipment that is more efficient and somewhat higher in capacity does not equal plant expansion.
The 2016 Capacity Change People Forget
In 2016, two of those four bioreactors were replaced. They were approaching the end of their lifespan, and interestingly enough, no protests were staged back then. These newer units are more efficient and can handle more capacity, however it was discovered that they could not operate alongside the older bioreactors. So, the plant switched to operating only the two newer efficient units using the other two as backup, dropping capacity from 4.0 MGD down to 3.4 MGD.
Why the 2023 Replacement Was Necessary
The other two bioreactors were to be replaced in 2020, but the pandemic delayed replacement. By 2023, those last two original units were 15 years old–passing expected lifespan. The council had a simple choice: a) Wait for failure, or b) replace them.
If your tires are worn, do you wait for a blowout on the freeway? Of course not. You replace them to avoid disaster. No one wants a bioreactor failure causing a sewage spill. Replacing that equipment was crucial to maintaining sewer infrastructure. Despite politicization by Councilmember Resendiz and him voting against this infrastructure work, council did what was necessary. Our residents have consistently demanded that infrastructure be maintained and upgraded!
The Current Odor Issue
At the February 2nd council meeting the Public Works director explained the recent odor increase was related to equipment failures and maintenance: failing pumps and aerators, and a pond that stagnated. When wastewater stagnates, it smells. That is an operational issue. It had nothing to do with new housing.
Even if no additional homes were built, a failing pump and stagnant pond would still produce odor at the sewer plant.
Prior Council Took Action
In regard to claims prior council “did nothing” actually the opposite is true, we were responsive and took several actions in support of sewer infrastructure. When residents raised concerns about smell at that August 2023 meeting, council took action that night. An outside consultant was hired to conduct an investigation. From this review, council approved a number of additional actions:
• Installation of flapper valves and Bioxide treatment
• A $100,000 vault redesign to prevent pooling of sewage
• A $400,000 sewer camera van for proactive monitoring of lines
• Legal enforcement action April 2024 to address sludge/odor by the cannery
Those are documented actions by previous council.
Infrastructure work isn’t dramatic. It doesn’t make headlines. But it is real, and matters.
Why Sewer Maintenance is so Important
Sewer systems require constant monitoring and upkeep. Equipment ages. Pumps fail. The plant is now almost 20 years old. It is not about how much sewage is coming in, it is about ensuring the plant runs properly. Blaming housing over a maintenance issue may be politically convenient, but doesn’t fix a pump. If we want less odor, consistent maintenance and accountability is needed.
Building stronger community trust requires leadership that prioritizes facts over finger-pointing. That’s how infrastructure–and public confidence–improve.
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