Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Carpinteria Valley Water District Board voted 3-2 to place CAP project capital charges on the property tax roll for FY 2026-27 amid strong public opposition. In the subsequent GSA meeting, staff reported well registration at 49%, with meters due by July 31 ahead of the August 31 compliance deadline and penalty billing discussed for September 1. A $20,000 public outreach contract with Two Trumpets Communications was approved.
Groundwater sustainability fees were approved for FY 2026-27 placement on the county secured property tax roll, with earliest collections potentially in October but most likely in December and April. The Fallowed Land Registry has surpassed 4,000 enrolled acres, with discussion of a potential 8,000+. The Board approved staff recommendations on a refund path available for landowners still documenting their water source within one year.
The Board approved placing 606 delinquent utility accounts totaling ~$966,080 on the County tax rolls (+22% in dollars vs. last year), with the vote carrying 4-0-1. Directors discussed possible future tools (including water shutoffs), but no policy change was adopted. The GM said the six-month FERC relicensing filing window opens Aug. 1, 2026, and a PG&E/WAPA settlement with 3% annual increases has been submitted and is expected to be approved.
Board adopted the FY 2026-27 FCGMA budget and the FY 2026-27 LPV Watermaster budget, using reserves to offset a planned operating shortfall. LPV basin assessment set at $57.50/AF; project assessments vary by service area. WY 2023 overuse assessments were issued; WY 2024 cure transfers due Oct. 1, 2026.
The advisory committee voted 5-2 to recommend revising groundwater Minimum Thresholds using Alternative 2's dual-criterion approach, creating earlier regulatory triggers in 16 of 25 RMS wells (though some MTs would be lower than 2022 levels in certain polygons). They also voted to recommend removing the non-dry year qualifier from undesirable result definitions, after first voting down a motion to keep the language. Both recommendations now go to the GSA Boards for final decision.
