Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board unanimously approved revised salary ranges and selected title changes for six administrative positions, at an estimated annualized cost of $93,859, and raised the general manager’s salary to $290,000. Comments on the land-repurposing plan supported by an $8.9 million grant are due November 6; PV Water may apply for another $8.11 million in spring 2027. College Lake testing is planned through December 15, and the facility delivered about 171 acre-feet through September.
Commissioners reviewed five FY 2026-2027 proposals and voted to recommend three to the Board: high school water education, a creek cleanup, and resource kits for homeless youth. Teams expect to start in early December, subject to Board approval. Staff introduced Aaron Baker ahead of a January 4, 2027, leadership appointment. There is no November meeting; the next is January 27, with a flood preparedness discussion planned.
The committee recommended a $454,181 pipeline restoration award to Whitaker Construction Group, a no-cost extension for additional tank work, and the addition of Drying Bed No. 3. It voted to continue the golden mussel emergency as staff plans chemical injection upstream of the raw water pumps. The State Water Project allocation remains at 45%, and Kern River water is expected to supply the treatment plant through year-end.
A pending one-year grant extension could move priority project deadlines to December 2027; staff aim to finish the paperwork by year-end. Four projects totaling about $6.7 million remain in contracting after board and conditional state approval. Eligible existing grantees with a completed MLRP plan could seek up to an additional $9 million under anticipated Round 3 terms; Westlands is finalizing its plan. Growers and community members were urged to submit project concepts.
Seven of nine Safe, Clean Water audit recommendations are complete; IMC recruitment and a San Francisquito Creek performance indicator remain open. The committee closed the 2020 Real Estate Services audit after four outstanding recommendations were implemented. Acquisitions involving owners’ appraisals can cost 10% or more above Valley Water’s appraisals. A district-wide risk assessment will inform 2027 audit planning; contractor spending controls were raised for possible consideration.
