Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board is set for the Subbasin to exit the state’s probationary oversight with basin-wide coordination and monitoring programs. New landowner banking agreements were approved to expand water storage eligibility and allow ledger-based deficit offsetting without physical water recovery. Despite environmental concerns, duck club water issues were addressed with a timeline through 2035.
The board rejected both candidates for a vacant stakeholder position amid controversy over agricultural groups seeking influence in a non-agricultural seat. Domestic well advocates pushed back, claiming they already pay 57% of GSA fees while accounting for only 10% of pumping. The GSA must submit its first Periodic Evaluation by January 2027, with significant amendments expected to monitoring networks, sustainable management criteria, and interconnected surface water thresholds.
The district received a 2024 audit showing strong financials, working to improve bookkeeping practices as auditors made accounting adjustments. Water accounting with the Bureau of Reclamation caused billing confusion, including $750,000 in untracked deliveries, which have now been resolved. The district achieved major cost savings by renegotiating agreement with San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority, reducing payment obligations from 40% to 31-33% and reducing unfair project costs.
The Board approved a water service agreement with the Barona Band of Mission Indians to provide imported water to their reservation, which lacks surface water after their original lands were flooded for dam construction. Union representatives raised constitutional concerns about proposed employee housing policies requiring firearm registration and mandatory insurance for legally owned weapons. The Board also considered expanding helicopter fire protection infrastructure with new dip tank...
The district's major transmission line project is nearing completion with final work expected by spring 2025, supported by county reimbursement for additional paving costs. Water crews successfully responded to multiple simultaneous wildfires, providing millions of gallons for firefighting operations while demonstrating strong emergency coordination capabilities. A developer's request to transfer water connections between lots for construction flexibility is under policy review by staff.
