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The board voted yes on a Mid-Kings Prop 218 assessment ballot expected to cost about $9,000/year and approved the FY 2026-27 budget, including $1,005,000 for water purchases and $24,000 in capital outlay. Staff also presented a Greater Kaweah GSA concept to buy district conveyance losses as a supplemental water alternative to Tier 1/Tier 2.

The committee approved repurposing EKI Task 4 funds to review GSP public comment letters and develop a recommendations matrix. It approved an operating reserve policy at 20% of the annual operating budget, with surplus typically credited forward and flexibility by vote. The committee discussed a case-by-case grant approach; project forms are due Sept. 30, 2026.

The board approved procurement of long-lead items for the Yucca repowering project (overall estimate ~$247M), replacing a dormant 75-MW unit with 94 MW capacity targeted for June 1, 2030. Three La Quinta-area substation transformer replacement projects totaling roughly $23.5M were also approved. Staff said the water cost-of-service study is due in the coming months, with a 2027 rate update process planned.

Staff discussed preparing for a potential Super El Niño winter and coordinating with emergency agencies. A FEMA-funded Dry Creek barrier project was delayed after a newly listed toad species was identified in the area, and staff are pursuing an emergency permitting path. Staff also presented an FDRE completion report covering four portable pumps and multiple planned deployment and recharge locations.

The board approved extending in-district irrigation deliveries through late October. The district approved transitioning to the ACWA/JPIA pooled health program effective 1/1/2027 after a 53% Sutter rate spike, adding a PPO option. Staff reported ~65% system capacity and ~750,000 AF YTD inflow; pre-1914 out-of-district deliveries have ended. Delta Dental and VSP renewals through Aqua JPIA were approved with no rate increases.