The board approved a SGMA regulatory fee with a two-tier structure targeting $1.6M annually, effective FY 2027. Dry land farmers and grazing land operators objected, and the board committed to reviewing potential fee adjustments before FY 2028 fees are set. The board also approved the FY 2026-27 budget (estimated ~$2.001M in expenses).
Proposed SGMA fee (Tier 1 for all parcels; Tier 2 for ag acres and domestic users incl. private wells, up to $7.94/acre undistricted ag) goes to a May 18, 2026 public hearing. Winter recharge signed up 4,000+ acres and recharged ~3,600 AF in January. Staff noted WY2025 annual report figures show most indicators green.
The Board voted 18-5 to proceed with a Proposition 26 regulatory fee pathway starting in FY 2026/27, aiming for first collections in late 2026. It directed staff to use a draft two-tier fee concept (Tier 1 at $1.50 per parcel plus $0.76/acre and draft Tier 2 ag rates of $2.78/$7.94 per cropped acre) and a draft $1.6 million annual budget for the next five years as the basis for the upcoming fee study and public outreach.
The Board approved proceeding with the 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan Periodic Evaluation without a formal amendment, deferring major updates to 2032. Five priority projects were approved for the Hungry Hollow Groundwater Focus Area to address a 6,000 acre-foot annual deficit, with three already under implementation. The agency is advancing a Proposition 26 regulatory fee structure, with key decisions scheduled for February 2026.
GSA appointed seven landowners to the Hungry Hollow Groundwater Working Group to develop priority management actions, expecting recommendations in January 2026. A fee study is advancing with stakeholder outreach and analyses through January, aiming to establish a 5-year budget forecast and stable fee structure. Yolo County extended its agricultural well permit moratorium through August 2026 but added an exemption for replacement wells under conditions such as restrictions on crop conversions.
