A January state hearing will consider whether to revisit the Kings River’s fully appropriated stream status and related flood-flow applications. The district is developing recharge guidance with two ditch companies and a groundwater sustainability agency. Staff and counsel are reviewing deliveries near service boundaries; the board adopted no new boundary policy.
The board directed staff to pursue engineering evaluations and review prior studies for increasing Old River recharge. A Riverside Ditch landowner meeting was set for Nov. 6 to gather maintenance input and discuss responsibilities for debris/trees. Directors reviewed the draft 2027 budget and discussed possible changes including ~$50,000 for Riverside maintenance and higher stock purchase budgeting, noting future rate impacts may be unavoidable.
Water deliveries are winding down, with Apex shutting off Saturday morning (this weekend) and Riverside expected to run through about late July. The Board directed staff to pursue project funding opportunities (including Prop 4 and a federal appropriations request), subject to cost approval. The FY2025 audit was presented showing ~$8M cash and net position ~$37.3M, with no significant issues identified.
Riverside Ditch is running at ~35 CFS and may reach 40 CFS as row crop demand increases, with a copper sulfate treatment request pending a cost quote. The board withheld a ~$45,000 County of Kings TLBWSD/SWP contract payment pending a Friday, June 12 TLBWSD meeting to better understand value. The board approved a ~$9,000 file digitization contract; the new GM is updating internal policies.
The board unanimously approved the hiring of Ellen Viera as the new General Manager, with a start date discussed as the 27th near the start of the irrigation water run. The Board added an emergency agenda item for a ditch tender. Additionally, the board approved an interim leave policy (Resolution 2026-03) establishing 40 hours of sick leave and 96 hours of vacation accrual annually.
