The water district's general manager resigned after five years of successful financial turnaround, while a community advocate raised serious concerns about elevated childhood cancer rates potentially linked to environmental contamination. Despite public concerns, the board tabled a modified agreement with PG&E that, if approved, would significantly reduce the agency’s benefit payments by approximately half (potentially exceeding $100,000 annually) and will revisit the item when legal ...
The board approved moving forward with consolidating Pine Grove Community Services District's water system, converting approximately 400 wholesale connections to retail customers to address Pine Grove's $250,000 operating deficit. The agency received a three-notch credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor's, improving from BBB negative to A minus, which reflects improved financial stability. Staff will prepare consolidation agreements and return with action items, while the transition ...
The board approved significant water and wastewater rate increases for 2026 following a comprehensive rate study, with a public hearing scheduled for December. A $45 million federal WIFIA loan for critical infrastructure projects remains on track despite potential delays from the government shutdown. Additionally, a proposed pipeline project to send treatment plant backwash water for dust control has generated community controversy due to widespread misinformation about its purpose.
The Board approved significant 7% annual water rate increases for the next five years to fund a $73 million infrastructure improvement program, while also approving more modest 3% annual wastewater rate increases. These rate hikes will increase typical residential bills from around $92 to $124 over the five-year period for water services. A formal public hearing process was initiated, with customers having the opportunity to protest the proposed increases at a December 9, 2025 hearing.
The board approved a $1.52 million pipeline repair contract and directed staff to proceed with a $48 million water treatment plant financing strategy through a federal WIFIA loan. Staff identified significant cost savings of $18-20 million in the treatment plant projects while still meeting capacity and safety requirements. The board also supported state legislation for low-income water rate assistance to help ratepayers manage infrastructure improvement costs.
