Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board unanimously approved terminating a 1985 recreation agreement with Stanislaus County, effective October 2026, due to failed negotiations and facility concerns. This will cost $2.8 million but generate future revenue. Health insurance premiums were approved with modest increases of 4-10% for employees. Board members praised staff for successfully managing the 2025 irrigation season with minimal disruptions despite ongoing organizational changes.
Board maintained annual assessment rate at $95 per acre for 2025 despite staff recommendations for an increase, citing concerns about financial burden on farmers. Water supplies remain critically limited with only 700 acre-feet remaining after the 2024 season, prompting continued conservation measures. State Water Resources Control Board is expected to make a final decision on December 2nd regarding whether to return basin management to local control after years.
Groundwater levels have recovered to 2013 levels at about 120 feet district-wide, though faster progress is needed to meet 2040 sustainability targets. Staff recommended changes to subsidence management policies, moving away from depth-based pumping restrictions due to complex geology showing most district pumping contributes to subsidence. Board approved a $50,000 public relations campaign to enhance its communication with state regulators and stakeholders outside Central Valley.
Agricultural experts determined that sufficient data exists to establish nitrogen limits for major crops in some regions, but a landscape-level approach targeting broader areas is more effective than field-specific regulations. Current nitrogen application rates significantly exceed what's needed for groundwater protection, with some cropping systems showing 350+ pounds of excess nitrogen per acre versus the 27 pounds needed for water quality targets. The panel is moving toward identifying...
The committee reviewed draft budget plans for fiscal year 2026 and approved enhanced outreach activities for the domestic well mitigation program to demonstrate proactive community engagement to state regulators. Multiple groundwater monitoring exceedances were reported across several districts, requiring mitigation plans within 60 days under existing agreements. Staff will issue budget pricing requests by month's end with final approval expected in January for March implementation.
