The board approved a $135,599 comprehensive fee study contract with Confluence Engineering Solutions to review and simplify SCGA's revenue structure, targeting a new fee structure for FY 2028. Staff outlined a governance assessment and strategic visioning effort that could lead to JPA amendments. Draft periodic evaluation and 2027 GSP update documents are posted on the SCGA website for public review and are expected to return to the board in October.
Groundwater fees were held flat for FY 2027 at current rates, and the FY 2027 budget includes funding for a $150,000 fee study that could inform changes as early as FY 2028. A regional water bank update raised ag questions about in-lieu recharge terminology and precedent-setting concerns. The board approved an MOU amendment redistributing costs among remaining sub-basin members after Sloughhouse RCD exited as a GSA.
The basin remains sustainable with groundwater levels above minimum thresholds in 91% of wells and extractions well below sustainable yield. The Harvest Water Project is on track to provide up to 50,000 acre-feet annually of recycled water starting in 2027. The board discussed Sloughhouse RCD's withdrawal as a GSA and signaled support for SCGA eventually assuming management of the affected area through boundary adjustments.
Board received updates on California's largest agricultural recycled water project, which will deliver up to 50,000 acre-feet annually starting in 2027. A new concept was presented for a multipurpose recharge basin at a gravel pit that could capture high-flow stormwater to help address the basin's modeled 6,200 AFY groundwater deficit. Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027 periodic evaluation is underway with a January 2027 deadline and must address four corrective actions.
