Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Board is actively seeking candidates to fill a vacancy within 60 days before appointment authority transfers to the Board of Supervisors. A planned 15% water rate increase for March 1st is in the Proposition 218 process, with a February public hearing; the average bill impact is expected to be under $10. The Water Authority is evaluating joining an IWPC project that could cost nearly $2 million annually starting in 2026.
An independent investigation into a director's water use on land straddling district boundaries proved inconclusive, with a motion for further attorney-led fact-finding failing 2-2. The board reelected its president 3-1 and appointed a vice president unanimously amid governance concerns. Water storage stands exceptionally strong at 77% capacity at Don Pedro, with MID’s portion just under 400,000 acre-feet, positioning the district well for the 2026 irrigation season.
Board approved the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, authorizing up to 136,000 acres of solar development on retired farmlands with a 10-year phased implementation. Bureau of Reclamation's Action 5 Record of Decision is expected to deliver an average of 85,000 additional acre-feet of water supply annually. District projects ending the water year with a 10,000 acre-feet surplus at the current 55% allocation.
The Board re‑elected its 2025 leadership for 2026 and, after a 3–2 motion to find a Policy 5 violation and impose sanctions failed for lack of four votes, approved 3–2 a motion finding no violation and directing staff to organize a professionally facilitated board retreat. Directors also raised concerns about training budgets and staff announced new no‑cost bill payment options at four major retail chains.
The Board adopted an enforcement ordinance implementing escalating fines up to $10,000/day for industrial wastewater violations, with possible service termination after 120 days of non-compliance. Directors emphasized protecting the aquifer for future generations amid ongoing compliance issues, including with several cannabis-related industrial users. The well system remains operationally healthy despite wells offline for Chromium-6 compliance and rehabilitation.
