Unpaid 2025 penalties (~$892K across ~80 APNs) were approved by the committee 2-0 as a recommendation for Board adoption of special-assessment resolutions for tax-roll collection; 2024 unpaid items will receive a Notice of Levy. Staff discussed holding off on levying the $59/irrigated-acre GSP fee pending a cost review around Dec 2026. Farm unit scenarios were reviewed showing how growers can pool allocations across parcels to manage extractions and avoid penalties.
Snowpack is well below average with drought conditions returning, though local reservoirs remain near capacity. The Domestic Well Mitigation Program holds ~$2.7M in reserves; directors said summer data (July–Sept) is needed before any reassessment of the GSP fee. A new Summary of Rules booklet covering 2026–2040 allocations and program updates will be mailed to growers this month.
The committee recommended refinements to the Domestic Well Mitigation Program so the $35K cap can cover all reasonable costs needed to restore service. Growers questioned whether the $59/acre fee should change given limited spending so far. 2025 penalties billed: $1.1M (Madera) and ~$650K (Chowchilla); funds are designated for domestic well mitigation. The committee recommended adopting the Chowchilla GDM backstop report.
Staff reported plans to expand Domestic Well Mitigation Program to cover full replacement costs within the existing $35K cap, with no formal action taken. A new tiered demand management and subsidence mitigation program for the Chowchilla Subbasin was presented as informational, with more public input expected before adoption.
Committee approved a three-year allocation support contract with Davids Engineering for $927,000, providing rate stability for growers. New state subsidence guidance creates uncertainty by potentially requiring immediate action rather than the 2040 deadline, prompting concerns about 'moving the goalposts.' The Domestic Well Mitigation Program is now operational, accepting applications with streamlined processes and up to $35,000 in funding per project.
