Staff discussed proposed guidelines for using electrical meter data in groundwater-use estimates, including annual pump efficiency tests each July–September starting in 2026, and planned an outreach notice next week. Recharge credit estimation would phase from soil-based estimates (2025) to improved methods over ~3 years. Staff reviewed a draft FY 2026/2027 budget with ~$9M revenue and a proposed $2.5M transitional water prepayment for board review.
Board approved appeals 1, 2, and 4 (meter portion); denied 3 and 8; continued 5–7 to June for standing-tree/pending data. 60 modification requests processed; modified/appeal invoices to be mailed/emailed early next week with a 30-day window; 2026 reporting period to open today. FY 26/27 Operational Budget adopted; Project/Management Action Budget returns in June for TID cash-flow clarity.
Groundwater use fee invoices total ~$7M, with ~$4.6M still outstanding; staff is targeting initial non-compliance notices around June 1 (pending May 28 board review) for unpaid accounts without appeals or modifications. Extra documentation for modifications and appeals is due May 18. MLRP pilot project agreements are near execution, with site visits to non-pilot landowners targeted for late May.
True-Up invoices issued March 23 are due May 7, including any modification requests or appeals; accounts with pending modifications will receive a reissued invoice with a new payment window. The 2026 self-reporting period for fallowing and cover cropping is expected to open late April/early May, with staff proposing an extended July 31 deadline for this year only, though crops must still be removed by June 30 to qualify.
Groundwater use fee invoices went to 337 accounts; staff reported 11–12 checks received and no formal appeals submitted. Staff proposed extending several self-reporting deadlines from 30 to 60 days, clarified recharge credits apply the year after recharge, and said staff's position is no pre-2025 recharge credits (requests may be appealed). Draft FY 2026/2027 budget is ~$196k lower; TAC requested clearer work-product justification.
