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The Board rescinded Resolution 2022-09 ending the Stage 2 shortage declaration; Stage 2-only limits like pool refilling bans were lifted while baseline Water Code rules still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.
The board terminated the Ione water shortage emergency by adopting Resolution 2026-09. The FY 2026/27 budget was approved, including nearly $20M in water capital projects. The board reviewed the final draft capacity fee study and directed staff to begin notifications ahead of the scheduled July 9, 2026 adoption.
Board gave consensus direction to use Option 1 (system-wide) for proposed water capacity fees. Proposed fees discussed: wastewater $25,388/EDU, treated retail water $26,776/EMU, and treated wholesale water $21,085/EMU (all not yet adopted; public notice/approval required). Board also supported transferring Pine Grove cell-tower lease revenue to the County for park maintenance as part of the Pine Grove CSD reorganization (LAFCO) process.
