The board approved a reduced $944,952 budget through June 2026 focused on minimum SGMA compliance while acknowledging the need to develop long‑term funding. Staff reviewed the SGMA timeline, noting the basin is roughly 30% of the way through the implementation period and that state intervention could cost about $1.7M per year. Directors discussed, but did not decide on, possible board expansion and a stakeholder advisory body.
The board appointed Hallmark Group as Executive Director through June 2026 following leadership changes, while a regional stakeholder group recommended creating an entirely new governance entity due to "loss of trust" and structural limitations. The authority continues facing a funding crisis with no long-term financial mechanism beyond 2026 after the failed assessment election, though some member agencies indicated they could support operations through the current contract period.
DWR’s Keith Wallace was invited by the Paso Basin board to clarify the state’s enforcement role after questions at prior meetings. He confirmed that basins failing to fund and implement sustainability plans risk state takeover, probation, and loss of local control. The Authority remains on emergency funding after the failed Prop 218, with an October 22 budget meeting set to address long-term financing. Meanwhile, a land fallowing program is on track for February, providing the first tool to..
The water authority's Proposition 218 fee process faces major delays due to missing evapotranspiration data that was due July 8th, potentially requiring a restart of the entire public notice period. The board approved $105,000 in spending and granted check-signing authority to their consultant despite the data issues. Public commenters raised concerns about incomplete notices and transparency while the August 1st hearing remains scheduled.
