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Basin storage was near its 2024 low, and seasonal outlooks favored above-average winter precipitation. The board authorized written verification for a proposed 35-acre-foot-per-year Hermitage Road shallow well after a technical review. It appointed Miranda Patton as general manager and adopted the FY 2026–27 budget without groundwater fee increases, projecting a $42,500 deficit to be covered by savings.

At its September 24 meeting, the Kern County Water Agency board voted to enter closed session on three existing litigation matters, one potential suit, and negotiations over State Water Project water price and terms. The agenda also scheduled hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2027-28 Zones of Benefit Report and an impasse, and listed golden mussel response items.

The board approved a $17.75 million canal operations budget, up about 27%, with approximately $3.4 million in non-labor golden mussel costs. Staff moved planned canal dewatering to late October amid concerns about possible winter flooding. The board also approved a $3.06 million general membership budget and a 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment for eligible employees.

The board authorized the General Manager to sign five MLRP project agreements, subject to final legal review. The roughly $4.7 million, 11-project pipeline includes Tri-State, which was not approved. The Governor signed a Round 2 grant extension through June 2028. About 80 accounts that reported cover cropping or fallowing in 2025 have not reported for 2026; staff urged prompt reporting to support upcoming true-up invoices.

The board approved a Confluence Engineering technical support contract for up to $167,798, covering state reporting and evaluation of possible monitoring-network expansion. Directors discussed seven proposed groundwater priorities through 2029 but did not adopt a plan. Staff identified three potential grant programs and expects to bring grant-consultant recommendations to the board in November.