The district successfully managed a major snowstorm with minimal service disruptions, though roughly 19 homes lost water for about a week due to inaccessible main breaks. A compensation study found salaries run 5-6% below market average, while benefits remain competitive — findings that will inform upcoming labor negotiations. The annual audit was accepted with a clean opinion and no material findings, aside from a prior-period adjustment of $431,000.
The Board approved mid-year budget amendments based on projections showing higher revenues and lower expenses, largely due to vacancy-related salary savings. A major water main break on Mustang Road was successfully repaired after 23 hours of work, affecting only 25 homes. The Board directed staff to analyze transferring sewer charges to the property tax roll and to further study options for monthly water billing.
Board approved major infrastructure contracts, backed by substantial state and federal funding, including wastewater treatment upgrades and a consolidation project to address system failures. Community members raised concerns about rising bills ($400–$900 for some) and billing issues, and the GM said rates will be revisited during the upcoming budget process. Residents requested quarterly evening meetings after a strong turnout at 5:30 PM session that signaled demand for accessible meetings.
The Board approved a $5.64 million contract to replace aging water storage tanks in Wallace and Arnold areas, with new tanks offering 50+ year lifespans. Staff outlined ongoing water loss reduction work and said they will bring a comprehensive report in the near future, after data cleanup and staffing constraints are addressed. The district received awards in all three insurance categories for maintaining exceptional safety and loss prevention records.
The board heard a comprehensive outreach evaluation prepared in response to a Civil Grand Jury recommendation, highlighting extensive communication efforts and the jury’s confirmation that CCWD met Proposition 218 requirements. Staff and directors discussed geographic challenges driving higher costs and concerns about bi‑monthly billing, and staff noted a more detailed monthly‑billing report is anticipated around early February.
