Board adopted the FY 2026-27 FCGMA budget and the FY 2026-27 LPV Watermaster budget, using reserves to offset a planned operating shortfall. LPV basin assessment set at $57.50/AF; project assessments vary by service area. WY 2023 overuse assessments were issued; WY 2024 cure transfers due Oct. 1, 2026.
The board approved 1,000 AF of Calleguas in-lieu imported water for Las Posas Valley (BOP Project 2) in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, using ~$868,000 from reserves to cover half the cost. It also approved a $62,240 ESA accounting pilot and a $298,725 Woodard & Curran feasibility study for northern East Las Posas.
A draft Las Posas BOYS was introduced: a basin-wide ramp-down may not be needed if two projects proceed, projecting ~36,860 AFY, including ~3,140 AFY imported water and an Arroyo Simi acquisition assumption. WY 2025 was a critical dry year with higher pumping and lower levels. Watermaster is pursuing >$70,000 in WY 2024 delinquencies; 3 WY 2023 accounts still owe ~$3,144 plus fees.
The revised OPV allocation ordinance was presented for informational purposes only and not adopted, with key calculation and definitional issues still unresolved — growers are urged to submit comments now. Court rulings mandate equal treatment of all water users and supply types, though separate agreements may be negotiated with water purveyors. An upcoming stakeholder workshop already has 30+ RSVPs.
Agency is grappling with nearly $100,000 in delinquent assessments and pursuing enforcement actions through outside counsel. 87.2% of water users have submitted the required annual extraction reports; complete data are needed for accurate annual reporting. A legal dispute continues over the wellhead-based allocation system, which has left 175 acres fallow due to water rights being tied to wells on adjacent properties involved in family litigation rather than the land itself.
