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Staff reported that the MLRP grant was extended one year by the legislature and that up to five full-scale projects may come before the board in September. Growers were reminded to complete self-reporting in the groundwater accounting platform before the end-of-September deadline. Staff also reported coordination between the Erie pipeline project and MLRP efforts to enable data collection and multi-benefit planning on Sand Creek and Mustang Creek.

Board gave consensus direction to open CVP water ordering wide open/first-come, first-served to move about 11,000 AF by Oct. 31. Staff said most canals would run except East Poplar; water could be used for irrigation or sunk/recharged, with discussion of $205/AF current-year water and separate $135/AF recharge invoices (prior-year blend) expected soon after parcel-split fixes.

The board approved a temporary emergency stormwater discharge agreement with Manteca, including reserving 16 acre-feet per year for the Tara Park school sites drainage needs. Lobbyists said wildfire liability reforms did not pass, and PG&E later said it would defer $2 billion in capital spending. AB 2026 was held again, and the governor may extend or issue an executive order for winter diversions.

The Board adopted a balanced 2027 budget of about $599.8M in expenditures against $602.6M in projected revenues, with no planned rate increase and expenses down 5%. Staff reviewed the large-load study process (including data centers), emphasizing customer-funded upgrades and potential collateral/commitments. Don Pedro is about 93% full; October pulse flows are planned.

The board directed staff to add an opt-in seller list and revise the exchange policy to allow prior-year trades through mid-February, and to agendize a penalty fee tier review. The board voted to defer a carryover policy until adjudication is implemented. Staff reported four wells below minimum thresholds and one in a warning zone, and the board gave consensus direction to begin adaptive management follow-up.