A groundwater sustainability agency faces a severe financial crisis with only $84,000 remaining in its bank account, prompting board approval to request an advance on property tax collections from the county. Meanwhile, staff presented detailed plans for a domestic well mitigation program to address wells going dry due to declining groundwater levels, requiring new funding mechanisms beyond current assessments. The agency is also finalizing critical allocation and subsidence management plans, with hopes to present the allocation plan by October that will project water requirements through 2040.
The board addressed low well registration rates and significant ground subsidence that could trigger pumping restrictions, while developing costly water quality monitoring programs under state pressure. Key decisions included maintaining current leadership, postponing registration penalties, and continuing budget discussions for preliminary $21 per acre-foot pumping fees.
