Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Board approved recharge water rates of $10 per acre-foot inside the district and $20 outside as deliveries begin Thursday through the Air Canal system. The district received a 10% Class 2 water allocation (18,600 acre-feet) from the Bureau of Reclamation that is planned to be moved by the end of February, depending on conditions. Growers interested in receiving recharge water must submit new signup applications to participate.
The Board reviewed a proposed water rate structure with 2% annual increases through 2028 and approved the Proposition 218 public hearing process. Written objections must be submitted by mail only by February 20, 2026, with a public hearing scheduled for February 25, 2026. The rates are designed to gradually draw down reserves while maintaining financial stability and debt coverage requirements.
Board unanimously approved moving forward with a Proposition 218 process to raise the assessment cap from $21.59 to $90 per acre foot, driven largely by SGMA coordination costs that rose from an initial $15,000 estimate to about $230,000. These costs are expected to stay relatively high, and the district still plans for two additional lower aquifer monitoring wells to strengthen its data network.
The board discussed funding shortfalls and possible new fees to support well mitigation, noting only a $9.80 Tier 1 fee is currently in place. Empire West Irrigation District rejected a proposed amendment to add board representation for areas comprising about 70% of the GSA, prompting concerns about long‑term governance. The State Water Board has declined to meet with the GSA due to ongoing litigation concerns
Board discussed projected future costs tied to IWPC/ERPA, including an annual operating budget near $200,000 and a possible $250,000 general manager position for 2026–2030. A grant-funded backup well (about 350 gpm) is nearing completion under a Small Community Drought Relief Program extension to February 27. Candidate Whitney Sekora introduced herself for the board vacancy, and members informally discussed Potter Valley Project issues.
