Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board approved a $2-per-acre benefit assessment for 2026, expected to generate roughly $412,000 to fund groundwater sustainability plan work. An allocation map was reviewed identifying parcels proposed to receive no water allocation, with landowners urged to contact the GSA if their parcel was incorrectly mapped. The board also discussed correcting a state agency claim of low reporting compliance, which the GSA says is based on flawed well data.
Staff reported true-up collections just under $5M, with about $2M outstanding and 70 accounts headed to county tax rolls. July 14 minutes were deferred (not distributed) to September. Staff previewed targeted Version 4 Rules and Regulations cleanup edits headed to the board. Growers were reminded cover cropping and fallowing must be re-reported for 2026 by Sept. 30.
The board approved an allocation of recharge water at $135 per acre-foot, with parcels of five acres and above receiving one acre-foot per acre and parcels below five acres eligible for up to three acre-feet per acre, through October 31, 2026. A 142-acre property was purchased for development into a future recharge basin, with construction expected to begin in phases over roughly five years. Discussion also addressed risks around potential local pumping restrictions.
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 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.
