A proposed 20-year water agreement with East Bay MUD drew public concerns about pricing and drought-time access for local agriculture. The board heard comment and prepared to recess to closed session for discussion. A new auditing firm was approved for a three-year engagement.
Board approved the Pine Grove tank parcel transfer and the consent agenda. Staff discussed wildfire resiliency grant efforts and county GIS gaps. The GM employment agreement and legal counsel report were pulled; staff noted the GM candidate withdrew acceptance and said next steps would be discussed in closed session.
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.
The Board rescinded Resolution 2022-09 ending the Stage 2 shortage declaration; Stage 2-only limits like pool refilling bans were lifted while baseline Water Code rules still apply. The Board adopted updated capacity fees for new connections; wastewater rose from $17,535 to $25,388 per EDU (45%). Staff said Ione capacity is not an immediate issue and projects are multi-year.
Water supplies are projected to exceed demand through 2050, with a ~10,000–12,000 AF surplus even in a single dry year; raw water losses were reported at 28% of total use. The Board adopted the WSCP and stated on the record that any drought surcharge would follow Board policy/Board approval.
