Board approved 2026 special assessments maintaining rates unchanged since 1997, with general administrative assessment at $4.34 per acre. A contract for $381,851.86 was approved to install traveling water screens at DiGiorgio Weir to improve water quality and reduce debris issues. The district is experiencing a strong water year start with Isabella Lake at 126% of historical average storage and above-average precipitation across monitoring stations.
The district is extending canal operations beyond the typical season due to continued water demand and favorable conditions. A major $352,750 traveling screen installation project at DiGiorgio Weir received committee approval to improve water quality, following successful implementation on another canal. Two significant development crossing projects face delays due to outstanding financial documentation and bonding requirements...
The District successfully maintained operations with nearly 12,000 acre-feet delivered in September and reopened canal operations following October storms. Major infrastructure investments were approved, including a $194,167 concrete liner project and a $500,000+ shop remodel to support critical facility upgrades. The district avoided state probation and maintains local control over groundwater management after a successful State Water Resources Control Board hearing.
The Board approved joining a higher-yielding state investment program that will increase district revenue by switching from 3.83% to 4.43% returns. The 2026 budget was approved, anticipating no rate rises for landowners so long as a moderate water supply is secured. Additionally, the purchasing policy was updated to raise the formal bidding threshold from $175,000 to $250,000, giving staff more flexibility for infrastructure projects.
