Staff reported that the MLRP grant was extended one year by the legislature and that up to five full-scale projects may come before the board in September. Growers were reminded to complete self-reporting in the groundwater accounting platform before the end-of-September deadline. Staff also reported coordination between the Erie pipeline project and MLRP efforts to enable data collection and multi-benefit planning on Sand Creek and Mustang Creek.
The board approved Resolution 2026-05 adopting a delinquency policy and miscellaneous fee schedule with a 10% penalty, 1% monthly interest, and recovery of collection costs for late groundwater fees, with remedies that may include payment plans and tax-roll placement. Staff reported about $1.7 million in delinquent invoices added to county tax rolls. The board also adopted rules revisions including 3-year pump efficiency testing and clarified fallowing and recharge documentation expectations.
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.
