Morro Bay and Cayucos renew 'consultant' contract 

In order to keep the pressure on the California Coastal Commission to sign off on the current proposed location for the wastewater treatment plant, the Morro Bay/Cayucos Sanitation District Joint Powers Authority (JPA) has renewed its contract with a controversial lobbyist.

On April 12, the JPA voted 8-1 to retain the services of Susan McCabe, a former coastal commissioner who’s been assisting the JPA appeal of a commission decision against the current proposed location for the project.

Morro Bay Councilman Noah Smukler was the lone vote opposing the contract. Morro Bay Mayor Bill Yates wasn’t present.

McCabe’s contract will be capped at $155,000.

Following the vote, Smukler said he still maintains that the funds would be better used reconsidering the proposed location and taking a fresh look at the project instead of paying a lobbyist to convince the Coastal Commission to reverse its decision.

McCabe and her staff, which includes an assistant, were first hired in April 2011. As of February 2012, her company has pulled in roughly $55,000 from the JPA, according to invoices.