Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board reviewed LEED certification for a new administrative building, which would add $3.5–5 million in costs and cause delays, with no decision made. Staff requested $2.8 million in mid-year budget adjustments for operating expenses and capital projects. A $2.7 million federal grant **may need to be shifted** from design work to include construction to comply with Army Corps appropriation language.
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.
The district's $32.7 million capital improvement program is at 48% budget utilization midway through the fiscal year, with 39 active infrastructure projects currently underway including 15 in construction. Updated water, sewer, and recycled water master plans will follow the new Urban Water Management Plan to address future needs as the population grows from 38,000-42,000 to a projected 50,000-70,000.
The committee reviewed proposed guidelines for a new low-income customer assistance program offering eligible households $250 annually as monthly credits toward water fixed charges, with Dollar Energy Fund expected to handle administration and eligibility review. The committee discussed removal after roughly 60 days of delinquency and aims to refine details for board consideration, targeting the first application window in May–June 2026.
The committee discussed a proposed new three-year allocation period starting January 1, 2026 that would give all agricultural accounts 3.3 acre-feet per acre, with flow meter deadlines in March 2026 for groundwater-only users. A 3% annual loss on unused carryover was proposed, and the committee will recommend these policies to the board on January 14, 2026.
