The board approved a resolution authorizing the 2026 out-of-district water sale program at $218.54 per acre foot, with staff projecting roughly 12,000 to 15,000 acre feet in sales including fringe areas. Canals have begun charging in early March, and staff reported a 620,000 acre foot Bulletin 120 forecast at 90 percent probability. The board also unanimously adopted the 2025 Water Management Plan after a public hearing with no comments.
The Board approved a crane system investment exceeding the $100,000 formal bid threshold for the auto shop to improve operational efficiency and safety. They authorized the formal surplus process for a property parcel that requires shopping to agencies and government entities before sale. Staff presented the 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan showing over 800,000 acre-feet contributed to groundwater aquifers over 20 years.
The Board approved extending the out-of-district water sales program with a one-year credit rollover for 2025 unused minimums, addressing infrastructure constraints while the program delivered over 12,000 acre-feet generating $2.6 million. Directors also voted to adopt a groundwater management plan requiring 25% reduction in non-district areas over five years and a $300,000 well mitigation fund, while the Paulsell Lateral Phase 1 upgrade nears completion ahead of schedule.
The Board adopted a $17 million operating budget for 2026 with a 7% rate increase, facing projected operational losses due to reduced Tri-Dam revenue. Draft groundwater management programs were reviewed, including a well mitigation program and allocation reductions up to 65% in some areas, with formal GSA adoption targeted for January 2026. All employee groups received a 1.6% CPI-based COLA effective January 9, 2026.
The board approved water rate increases for all five improvement districts following public hearings, with phased increases over five years to address operational cost shortfalls. A controversial $375,000 single-bid contract for a 190-foot SCADA communications tower was approved despite concerns about the bidding process. The 2026 budget was adopted incorporating 7% water rate increases, with the district maintaining strong financial reserves of approximately $29 million despite declining ...
