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 approved a new water supply agreement with Western Hills Water District, including transfer of 4,791 acre-feet of banked water to KCWA and canceling an 8,000 acre-foot legacy obligation. A golden mussel emergency declaration was continued, with a public forum set for August 5 at Bakersfield College. The board also adopted reduced zone of benefit assessments of approximately $30 million for FY 2026-27, down from the ~$50 million maximum authorized.
The board approved a ~$287,602 second cash call split equally among 12 member agencies, with intent to true-up using Jan–Dec 2026 pumping data in next FY's first cash call. Meter compliance deadline moved to Oct. 1, 2026, and a public hearing was set for Aug. 27, 2026 on meter penalty fees. Staff will develop an inactive-well exemption process.
Water supply remains stable with above-average storage heading into summer, and 2027 DWR charges came in slightly under budget, so no supplemental bills are expected. Staff updated the Board on golden mussels found upstream of Polonio Pass and a potential Coastal Branch pilot treatment effort to protect pumping plants.
Groundwater use fees were adopted for FY 2026-2027 / current reporting period (Nov 1, 2025–Oct 31, 2026), with Category 3 rising to $316.94/AF above 1.6 AF/acre. The board authorized unpaid fees to go on county tax rolls and reviewed draft meter/electrical/recharge guidelines; staff will refine them.
The board approved adding a Field Services Manager position to split operational duties and support oversight of six major capital projects. Staff noted the first advertised project is Tank D and Cotton Main. A consultant reviewed OPEB trust options for the ~$6.3M retiree healthcare liability; Budget & Finance will review; no OPEB action was taken.
