Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported Greater Kaweah GSA is discussing ending overdraft allocations by 2027 and raised concerns about allowing native safe-yield transfers across the GSA. Staff discussed record El Niño indicators and urged growers to prepare fields for potential winter water. The board discussed a 3-year managed IT/cybersecurity services proposal with Grapevine MSP.
Staff said the State Water Board is accelerating its interim plan timeline, with potential adoption in Jan–Feb 2027, including a possible pumping moratorium within about two miles of the Friant-Kern Canal. Staff discussed a potential shift from ET/consumption-based accounting to pumping-based tracking and warned growers that SWRCB fee invoices are arriving with a 30-day deadline.
Staff noted harvest season is causing schedule adjustments for irrigation delivery, and growers were asked for patience during this period. Board approved shotline mix ($791,404.38) plus up to $40,000 for a concrete pump rental, within the existing $1.86M pipelining budget (~20,000 ft). Multiple board members noted that irrigation water quality has been notably clean this season, crediting the spray department and division managers.
Groundwater sustainability fees were approved for FY 2026-27 at roughly 55% below maximum rates; the agricultural combined rate is $44.44 per groundwater-irrigated acre. Growers who missed alternative-water or dry-farming deadlines can apply again next year, but documentation will tighten. Board members discussed well metering as a possible long-term path toward usage-based fees.
Staff reported a balanced 2027 budget requiring no rate increase and highlighted a bond refunding projected to save ratepayers over $7.7 million (NPV). Transmission & Distribution capital of $33.7 million was presented (down $1.9 million), with ~1,200 new meter sets forecast. Power supply costs were lower: purchase power down ~1% and fuel down ~21% vs. 2026.
