Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Board postponed eminent domain proceedings against school district properties needed for the Coyote Creek flood project. Staff presented a plan to address a $569 million capital budget shortfall across watershed and flood protection projects, recommending delays and rescoping of major initiatives. Board also approved substantial increases to well permitting fees, raising rates from $410-500 to $885/well to achieve full cost recovery and generate $400,000/year additional revenue.
The Board initiated the Proposition 218 process for Division 9 pressurization rates (2026-2030), shifting allocation so about 80% of collections fund maintenance and 20% build capital reserves projected near $850,000. A five‑year capital plan of about $185.5M was approved, led by the $70M Canyon Tunnel. The 2026 budget uses roughly $24.2M of reserves for capital, and Chinook salmon passage was the third‑highest since 2003.
The Board approved $800,000 in grant funding to construct two additional groundwater monitoring wells at Booster Station D, filling a critical data gap after an existing problematic well is destroyed. The expanded monitoring network will strengthen the district's ability to track seawater intrusion and ensure long-term groundwater sustainability compliance. By amending the existing contract with the already-mobilized drilling contractor, the project can meet the tight February grant deadline.
Annexation with Russian River Flood Control has been slowed by a legal complaint on the negative declaration and a notice of incomplete LAFCO application, potentially delaying more secure water service. Planned rate increases have shifted from March to April, and staff may instead combine that with a July 1 increase. A drought relief grant project is nearing completion with a Dec. 31 deadline and pump equipment secured at lower-than-expected cost.
The Board approved moving forward with a two‑part regulatory fee approach, with all parcels paying a flat administrative fee and Part 2 concepts focused on per‑cropped‑acre and managed‑wetland charges rather than total parcel size. Groundwater protection standards were strengthened by setting MTs to protect about 95% of domestic wells, with an estimated 38 wells and $1.14M in mitigation at MTs. The Board also directed staff to include managed wetlands/duck clubs in Part 2.
