DWR’s Keith Wallace was invited by the Paso Basin board to clarify the state’s enforcement role after questions at prior meetings. He confirmed that basins failing to fund and implement sustainability plans risk state takeover, probation, and loss of local control. The Authority remains on emergency funding after the failed Prop 218, with an October 22 budget meeting set to address long-term financing. Meanwhile, a land fallowing program is on track for February, providing the first tool to..
The water authority's Proposition 218 fee process faces major delays due to missing evapotranspiration data that was due July 8th, potentially requiring a restart of the entire public notice period. The board approved $105,000 in spending and granted check-signing authority to their consultant despite the data issues. Public commenters raised concerns about incomplete notices and transparency while the August 1st hearing remains scheduled.
