Staff outlined a timeline for the Periodic Evaluation and updated GSP chapters, with public review targeted for fall 2026 and a DWR submission deadline of January 28, 2027. EKI described ISW data gaps and a plan to improve data and modeling; ISW SMC refinement was discussed as a target for the next five-year update (noted as 2032), not a final decision. Prop 4 grants are being explored; scope and budget will return at a future meeting.
Staff reported true-up collections just under $5M, with about $2M outstanding and 70 accounts headed to county tax rolls. July 14 minutes were deferred (not distributed) to September. Staff previewed targeted Version 4 Rules and Regulations cleanup edits headed to the board. Growers were reminded cover cropping and fallowing must be re-reported for 2026 by Sept. 30.
Groundwater use fees were adopted for FY 2026-2027 / current reporting period (Nov 1, 2025–Oct 31, 2026), with Category 3 rising to $316.94/AF above 1.6 AF/acre. The board authorized unpaid fees to go on county tax rolls and reviewed draft meter/electrical/recharge guidelines; staff will refine them.
Non-payment notices were sent to 71 accounts; most invoices are due by end of July, with some corrected invoices due August 9, and unpaid amounts may be added to the county tax roll. Staff reviewed draft meter/electrical guidelines (0.81 factor; 5-year meter calibration; 3-year pump tests). Staff recommended shifting MLRP timing by potentially deferring earthwork-heavy basin work and potentially advancing vegetative projects to reduce March 2027 grant risk.
Board approved the FY 2026/27 Projects & Management Actions budget (~$12M), including $7.7M for TID transitional water, and agreed to revisit cash flow in Sept. 2026. Three fee appeals were decided; staff noted a standing-trees/fallow policy gap and intends to bring rule updates. $1.9M remains unpaid across 92 accounts; unpaid invoices may go to the tax roll after July 30.
