Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The Board adopted a $17 million operating budget for 2026 with a 7% rate increase, facing projected operational losses due to reduced Tri-Dam revenue. Draft groundwater management programs were reviewed, including a well mitigation program and allocation reductions up to 65% in some areas, with formal GSA adoption targeted for January 2026. All employee groups received a 1.6% CPI-based COLA effective January 9, 2026.
The Board discussed Tulare ID's stronger SGMA position, noting it is now **out of probation** and working with **DWR**, which puts it ahead of some neighboring areas. Members raised concerns about a $10,000 County Farm Bureau contribution to a legal defense fund tied to a roughly $2 million case, and staff stressed the need to coordinate on pumping allocations. The Board then went into closed session.
The board received a clean financial audit showing strong fiscal health with $608 million in total assets and increased unrestricted reserves. Directors approved extending participation in the Yuba Dry Year Water Purchase Program through 2050, keeping access to cost-effective supplemental water that staff described as cheaper than current Table A costs in the example given. The Department of Water Resources announced an initial 2026 State Water Project allocation of just 10% based ...
Public speakers highlighted the Pure Water Southern California project, which is expected to reduce State Water Project demands by about 100,000 acre-feet annually, with formal board consideration expected soon. Carpenter union representatives raised concerns about the Sites Reservoir project potentially selecting an out-of-state contractor over qualified California firms. The General Manager transition continues as retiring Devin Upadhyay hands over leadership to incoming Shivaji Deshmukh.
TID leaders mourned the loss of longtime Water Distribution Manager Mike Kavarian, honoring his 44 years of service during the GM’s update and board remarks. The Board elected 2026 officers: David Yonan as President, Ron Macedo as Vice President, and Joe Alamo as Secretary. Despite a recent dry spell, hydrology updates showed conditions near average and Don Pedro Reservoir around elevation 790.
