Board reviewed alternative financing options for $50 million in capital projects, with consultants recommending a hybrid using short-term notes and long-term bonds as a WIFIA backup. A proposal to create a dedicated Engineering Manager position was tabled pending completion of an organizational study expected by March 2025. The FY 2024‑25 audit received a clean opinion with no material findings and a lower pension liability.
The water district's general manager resigned after five years of successful financial turnaround, while a community advocate raised serious concerns about elevated childhood cancer rates potentially linked to environmental contamination. Despite public concerns, the board tabled a modified agreement with PG&E that, if approved, would significantly reduce the agency’s benefit payments by approximately half (potentially exceeding $100,000 annually) and will revisit the item when legal ...
The board approved moving forward with consolidating Pine Grove Community Services District's water system, converting approximately 400 wholesale connections to retail customers to address Pine Grove's $250,000 operating deficit. The agency received a three-notch credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor's, improving from BBB negative to A minus, which reflects improved financial stability. Staff will prepare consolidation agreements and return with action items, while the transition ...
The board approved significant water and wastewater rate increases for 2026 following a comprehensive rate study, with a public hearing scheduled for December. A $45 million federal WIFIA loan for critical infrastructure projects remains on track despite potential delays from the government shutdown. Additionally, a proposed pipeline project to send treatment plant backwash water for dust control has generated community controversy due to widespread misinformation about its purpose.
The Board approved significant 7% annual water rate increases for the next five years to fund a $73 million infrastructure improvement program, while also approving more modest 3% annual wastewater rate increases. These rate hikes will increase typical residential bills from around $92 to $124 over the five-year period for water services. A formal public hearing process was initiated, with customers having the opportunity to protest the proposed increases at a December 9, 2025 hearing.
