The board approved moving forward with liens for delinquent WY2024 tier penalties/invoices (about $1.2M outstanding). Tom Harder reviewed a timeline to set subsidence management areas by fall 2026, with priority maps planned for the June 22 stakeholder meeting. Staff is developing a five-year budget strategy as tiered-water revenue declines.
The board approved lowering the Tulare and Kings county land-based assessment from $10 per acre to $6. Staff reported that 2026 is shaping up to be the driest enforcement year, driving discussions with surface water agencies over credit policies to prevent excessive groundwater pumping, no policy has been adopted. A framework for regional land subsidence management zones was presented, with the board directing staff to develop a timeline and gather public input before decisions are made.
The board approved expanding the 2026 land fallowing program to up to $2 million at $400/acre, targeting 5,000 acres. A billing appeal seeking $5,555 in Tier 3 penalty adjustments ($3,825 for WY2024 and $1,730 for WY2025) was tabled for ~90 days for the landowner to provide supporting data (meter or pump test). Monitoring showed groundwater levels up 30–40 ft in some areas since 2023; west/south subsidence continues at ~0.4–0.6 ft/yr.
Well-registration enforcement changes to the Rules and Regulations were approved, tying compliance to Tier 1/Tier 2 carryover and transfer eligibility and allowing potential penalties. Subsidence management areas are in development, with staff/consultant aiming to bring a draft to TAC and potentially the board in coming meetings. A voluntary surface-water credit retirement concept was discussed but not approved and will remain on the agenda.
The Board approved a July 1st deadline for mandatory well registration, with account lockouts for non-compliance among an estimated 2,000 wells. Water credit management options to prevent overdraft remain under legal review with no immediate action taken. Staff is developing management areas to allow more localized groundwater and subsidence management.
