Staff reported a net cash position of about $26.01 million for August activity, and discussed Bureau of Reclamation billing changes and credits that could reduce water expenses versus budget. Subsidence and canal-related cost exposure were discussed, including a hotspot near Dairyland. The Army Corps is shifting dam projects to a Section 203 district-led approach; staff plan to attend a workshop.
Staff relayed DWR concerns that subsidence monitoring triggers are too reactive and urged more continuous monitoring. Auditor Ryan Jolly gave a clean audit for YE 12/31/2020 (agenda listed 2025), citing ~$66.6M net position and ~$20.4M cash/investments and payoff of the 2010 contract. Water update showed ~613 AF carryover and ~900 AF at San Luis; directors said to hold it.
The board received an informational presentation on the LGAWD intertie pipeline project nearing Phase 4 and a possible future request to use ~$1M in USDA Rural Development funds toward completion. Directors discussed MID shoulder-season water pricing and stressed there is no guaranteed supply. Greenleaf Ag raised golden mussel risks and was referred to the Dairy Canal manager for possible monitoring.
DWR signaled a faster approach on subsidence than the 20-year SGMA framework and wants expanded monitoring (including more nested wells) funded locally. The board approved paying the district's share (discussed as about $8,000) for one physical subsidence survey measurement in December, citing concerns about patchy satellite InSAR coverage.
The board set the 2026 irrigation water price at $150/AF (vs. ~$190/AF break-even), implying ~$2.4M in reserve support. Staff planned to begin charging May 14 due to a projected Millerton spill; delivery timing varies by location. The board approved Land IQ ET monitoring (~$67,907/yr) and discussed using it initially for measurement (no billing yet discussed).
