Staff reported that the Small Farm Assistance Program for fallowing land through 2039 has seen fewer than 10 applicants despite an estimated 300 eligible growers. The board discussed the county SWP survey and directed staff to respond, listing about 2,500 acre-feet as a non-binding expression of interest. Staff also reported a net decrease in irrigated acreage, already reflected in current assessments.
The board approved the 2026–2027 budget, setting irrigated assessments at $6.25/acre (down from ~$16.50 last year) and non-irrigated at $0.08/acre, with lower assessments aided by cash on hand/carryover (including unused contingency). Growers criticized PrAGA Prop 26 billing for charging removed vineyards with credits but no refunds. The Fallow Land Registry was discussed as a potential centralized reporting tool; the website showed 1,787 in the registry as of the meeting date.
The Board officially adopted the Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan dated June 13, 2022, fulfilling a remaining requirement tied to its GSA role. They committed $90,000 to help fund the JPA through June, leaving about $100,000 after payment, and requested budget milestones by January 7. The Board supported planning a joint education workshop with Shandon-San Juan, potentially in February.
The board approved major changes to the Miller fallowing program, extending the look-back period from 2 to 5 years and eliminating future deadlines for returning land to production. Zach Merkel was appointed to fill a vacant director position through 2027, while the board explored contracting for treasurer duties due to the significant time commitment. Public comments raised concerns that core Groundwater Sustainability Plan components remain unimplemented years later, questioning whether basin-wide management is appropriate given localized groundwater issues.
A longtime board member resigned and proposed major reforms to the joint powers authority agreement, including unanimous voting requirements and revised funding structures. The authority faces a critical funding deadline of June 2025 with no permanent solution in place, requiring continued direct funding from member agencies. The water district must formally adopt its groundwater sustainability plan by December after discovering it was never officially adopted despite years of operation as...
