The board approved increasing on-farm recharge payments from $40 to $50 per acre-foot to encourage water spreading before the February deadline. Staff presented plans for a $1 million golden mussel treatment program using copper-based products, expected to require board approval at a special meeting before implementation in mid-February. Director Giumarra was elected as new board president, replacing Director Camp after nearly 13 years.
Board discussed a significant golden mussel infestation discovered and asked staff to prioritize developing treatment options. Directors approved the final 2026 budget, which uses about $500,000 of reserves to hold current assessment rates. The Frick Unit Phase 2 pipeline project was awarded to Superior Ag for $4.35 million, well below the roughly $8 million engineer's estimate, and the board reduced the typical change order allowance so larger changes must return for approval.
Board approved $271,000 for a three-year satellite-based crop water monitoring contract with Land IQ to meet state groundwater management requirements. They also authorized $20,000 for continued Groundwater Sustainability Plan implementation through December 2025, with key commitments due by 2025-2026. Major infrastructure projects totaling 33,800 acre feet of annual capacity are progressing, including canal expansions and new wells that are 80% complete.
