The District is continuing to pursue grant funding for smart water meters that could in the future let customers monitor usage and receive automatic leak alerts online. Current meters already flag 24-hour continuous flow for proactive customer notification, helping identify issues such as an estimated 600-gallon leak at an unoccupied facility. Public outreach showed strong engagement, including 26,000 views on a New Year's message and a new theater conservation ad.
The district's mid-year financial report showed strong performance with $3.7 million in net revenue and a significant 106% increase in capital improvement spending, with 61% of the CIP budget now spent or encumbered. Water and sewer sales are on target at 53% of budget, while development activity is 21% below prior year but expected to pick up as projects like Marina Station and other planned connections move forward.
The Executive Committee reviewed a low-income Customer Assistance Program that would provide $250 annual credits to eligible customers, administered by Dollar Energy Fund for an 8.75% fee plus $10 per application. The program requires accounts to remain current, with grants paused when accounts become delinquent and customers removed at 90 days. Staff anticipate seeking board approval in March or April 2026.
The Board was scheduled to consider a major construction contract with Garney Pacific, Inc. for Phase 1 of the Reservation Road Desalination Plant Renovation Project. Additionally, the Board had on its agenda amendments for the Inter-Garrison Road Pipeline Upsizing Project and continued engineering services for the A1/A2 B/C Booster Station Project, representing significant planned water infrastructure investments.
District communications showed strong growth, with website users rising from 41,000 to 59,000 and conservation page users from 2,800 to 14,000. Staff discussed wildfire preparedness planning, including commitments from seven fire departments and a no‑cost Cal Fire contract, and plans to seek federal funding. Water Resources Engineer Charlie Liscom is temporarily covering Water Resources Manager duties for about two months.
