Water deliveries are winding down, with Apex shutting off Saturday morning (this weekend) and Riverside expected to run through about late July. The Board directed staff to pursue project funding opportunities (including Prop 4 and a federal appropriations request), subject to cost approval. The FY2025 audit was presented showing ~$8M cash and net position ~$37.3M, with no significant issues identified.
Riverside Ditch is running at ~35 CFS and may reach 40 CFS as row crop demand increases, with a copper sulfate treatment request pending a cost quote. The board withheld a ~$45,000 County of Kings TLBWSD/SWP contract payment pending a Friday, June 12 TLBWSD meeting to better understand value. The board approved a ~$9,000 file digitization contract; the new GM is updating internal policies.
The board unanimously approved the hiring of Ellen Viera as the new General Manager, with a start date discussed as the 27th near the start of the irrigation water run. The Board added an emergency agenda item for a ditch tender. Additionally, the board approved an interim leave policy (Resolution 2026-03) establishing 40 hours of sick leave and 96 hours of vacation accrual annually.
The coordinated Kings River irrigation run is planned to start May 15 for ~75 days; April 1 supply was mid-40%. People's Ditch start timing was discussed as potentially end-of-May/early-June, with Last Chance typically starting about a week later. GM search continues, with full-board interviews planned for May 15. The Apex Water Bank was described as state-recognized. The interim management subcommittee recommended the Apex Ranch lessee pay a ~$20,000 GEARs bill.
Due to unusual conditions—full storage but a below-average runoff forecast—staff outlined a possible split run: 2–3 weeks in April on limited systems, then potentially off most of May, then a late May/June restart into July. The Board approved operating Apex recovery wells during the restart, estimated ~4,200 acre-feet over ~60 days. Staff are also preparing groundwater pumping reports due before the May 1 State Board deadline for certain district wells.
