Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board heard a comprehensive outreach evaluation prepared in response to a Civil Grand Jury recommendation, highlighting extensive communication efforts and the jury’s confirmation that CCWD met Proposition 218 requirements. Staff and directors discussed geographic challenges driving higher costs and concerns about bi‑monthly billing, and staff noted a more detailed monthly‑billing report is anticipated around early February.
The board discussed three cost-share options ($28K-$95K annually) for joining the subbasin-wide program but made no decision. Staff received direction to participate in developing a county well ordinance that would allow GSA review of well permits before approval. The agency must address two data gaps for water level and water quality monitoring by December 2026.
Agency is grappling with nearly $100,000 in delinquent assessments and pursuing enforcement actions through outside counsel. 87.2% of water users have submitted the required annual extraction reports; complete data are needed for accurate annual reporting. A legal dispute continues over the wellhead-based allocation system, which has left 175 acres fallow due to water rights being tied to wells on adjacent properties involved in family litigation rather than the land itself.
Regional rate study updates were reported, including Redwood Valley potentially facing a 30% increase in March and 12% in July. The wastewater treatment plant’s discharge plan was approved and the district is working on land access to add monitoring wells. The GM relayed estimates that Eel River dam removals may be 5–7 years out and noted early state interest in Coyote Dam feasibility studies.
Board elected new leadership for 2026, with Director Akbari as President and Director Weed as Vice President. A $95,500 amendment was approved for the Peralta Boulevard main renewal project to replace aging infrastructure crossing the Hayward Fault with seismic-resistant design. Directors raised serious concerns about the escalating invasive golden mussel threat, which spreads faster than zebra or quagga mussels and has already clogged screens in the Delta.
