The Board was scheduled to consider a major construction contract with Garney Pacific, Inc. for Phase 1 of the Reservation Road Desalination Plant Renovation Project. Additionally, the Board had on its agenda amendments for the Inter-Garrison Road Pipeline Upsizing Project and continued engineering services for the A1/A2 B/C Booster Station Project, representing significant planned water infrastructure investments.
District communications showed strong growth, with website users rising from 41,000 to 59,000 and conservation page users from 2,800 to 14,000. Staff discussed wildfire preparedness planning, including commitments from seven fire departments and a no‑cost Cal Fire contract, and plans to seek federal funding. Water Resources Engineer Charlie Liscom is temporarily covering Water Resources Manager duties for about two months.
The district's $32.7 million capital improvement program is at 48% budget utilization midway through the fiscal year, with 39 active infrastructure projects currently underway including 15 in construction. Updated water, sewer, and recycled water master plans will follow the new Urban Water Management Plan to address future needs as the population grows from 38,000-42,000 to a projected 50,000-70,000.
The committee reviewed proposed guidelines for a new low-income customer assistance program offering eligible households $250 annually as monthly credits toward water fixed charges, with Dollar Energy Fund expected to handle administration and eligibility review. The committee discussed removal after roughly 60 days of delinquency and aims to refine details for board consideration, targeting the first application window in May–June 2026.
The Board re‑elected its 2025 leadership for 2026 and, after a 3–2 motion to find a Policy 5 violation and impose sanctions failed for lack of four votes, approved 3–2 a motion finding no violation and directing staff to organize a professionally facilitated board retreat. Directors also raised concerns about training budgets and staff announced new no‑cost bill payment options at four major retail chains.
