The sanitation district was to take over maintenance responsibilities from the town on July 1, but it has taken longer than expected to reach a purchase price agreement for the sewer lines, a Los Gatos asset.

The town will continue to maintain the sewer lines until an agreement is reached, which might be as early as Oct. 1, Pamela Jacobs, assistant town manager, said. "Provided we do reach terms," she said.

When completed, the transition will have no immediate effects on Los Gatos residents, Jacobs said, except for the telephone number they should contact if there is a sewage overflow. The district already replaces sewer lines, while the town of Los Gatos provides the maintenance, Jacobs said.

However, because all main pipelines are public and all lines on the property line belong to the owner, backups in the home are still the responsibility of the homeowner, Jacobs said.

The town was approached by the sanitation district almost two years ago about the possibility of taking over maintenance. The district told town officials that it would be more cost-effective for Los Gatos to transfer the responsibilities because it is already responsible for all sewer lines in neighboring cities.

"Since they're in that business, they could do that more efficiently," Jacobs said.

Town crews have maintained the pipelines since 1977. Jacobs said the crew members would not be without jobs once the transfer is complete.

"We don't anticipate needing to lay off anyone as a result. These folks are all cross-trained," Jacobs said, adding that they might retire or move into another parks and public works position.

To report sewage overflows and backups, continue to call the town's Parks and Public Works Department at 408.399.5770.