Hollister – The Hollister City Council voted Monday to charge Sunnyslope County Water District 5 percent of total construction costs if Sunnyslope decides to connect to the city’s new wastewater treatment plant.
The plant, scheduled to open in December 2008, could cost an estimated $120 million. If that happens, Sunnyslope would have to pay $6 million. City Manager Clint Quilter said connecting Sunnyslope to Hollister could lower Hollister residents’ sewer rates.
Sunnyslope General Manager Bryan Yamaoka recently said the district will decide whether to hook up to the Hollister plant within the next month-and-a-half, but Sunnyslope leaders first needed Hollister to confirm the cost.
Council members noted that locals are keeping a close eye on the wastewater plant and expenses, particularly after the council raised sewer rates in 2006.
