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The board denied a Government Claims Act claim challenging the Phase 2 fee (5-0). GAP surface water reporting is now available with document uploads. 2026 usage statements (Jan–Nov) are expected in November. Growers can register wells now for 2027 ahead of the Jan. 31 deadline. The board authorized staff to process up to 46 parcel reclassifications if confirmed irrigated (6-0).

GSA staff reported groundwater fee rates were reduced about 55% after the GSA allocated $750,000 from fund balance and approved the revised levy roll on Aug. 11 for placement on property tax bills. Staff said the Periodic Evaluation draft is planned around Oct. 19 for comment, with final action tentatively Dec. 8. Staff discussed tentative interim refinements to evaluate streamflow depletion as May–July percentage depletion.

Staff reviewed updated pumping projections about 20% lower than in the GSP. A Director raised agricultural-representation concerns regarding the physical solution; counsel said the recusal applies until the Board approves an agreement. Counsel noted the Oct. 26 trial date and said a potential judgment could trigger ~90-day deadlines for budgeting and TAC-related setup. The Board approved a 45-day public comment period for the draft GSP Periodic Evaluation starting September 11.

The board adopted the Saucelito Groundwater Sustainability Plan and approved eliminating the ET method for tracking groundwater extraction, requiring meter readings only beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The board also approved making Sept. 1 turnback water available as an emergency pool for growers who exhaust their allocation at the standard rate plus $25.

The board accepted a clean 2025 audit with no findings or control issues. Staff reported the Friant-Kern Canal pump station is nearing completion and should come in under budget. Staff also discussed Poso Creek flood preparations, including staged excavators and new slide gates that can be pulled to open a full 10-foot passage to help manage debris flows.