The board approved ending the 2025 irrigation season on October 14th to coordinate with treatment plant operations, despite concerns it may be early for some growers. Labor contract negotiations with critical irrigation staff continue as a priority, with discussions moving to closed session. Water supply conditions look strong for next year with good reservoir storage and conservation accounts reaching maximum capacity.
The irrigation district remains in difficult labor talks with the union for 26 employees after the contract expired, with workers warning of major pay and benefit cuts while the board kept its responses in closed session. Directors approved raising staff authority to approve tunnel project change orders up to $350,000 to speed construction adjustments. A recent town hall helped ease tensions with residents by addressing tunnel concerns directly, and the board also heard updates on grant...
