Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Board maintained annual assessment rate at $95 per acre for 2025 despite staff recommendations for an increase, citing concerns about financial burden on farmers. Water supplies remain critically limited with only 700 acre-feet remaining after the 2024 season, prompting continued conservation measures. State Water Resources Control Board is expected to make a final decision on December 2nd regarding whether to return basin management to local control after years.
Agricultural experts determined that sufficient data exists to establish nitrogen limits for major crops in some regions, but a landscape-level approach targeting broader areas is more effective than field-specific regulations. Current nitrogen application rates significantly exceed what's needed for groundwater protection, with some cropping systems showing 350+ pounds of excess nitrogen per acre versus the 27 pounds needed for water quality targets. The panel is moving toward identifying...
Board approved significant changes to water transfer rules, removing zone restrictions and allowing native sustainable yield water transfers anywhere within the district starting in Water Year 2025. They also authorized staff to place liens on properties with unpaid water penalties after unsuccessful collection efforts. Additionally, staff is coordinating with other local agencies to avoid competitive bidding when purchasing available water, with potential budget allocation of $1-2 million.
The committee reviewed draft budget plans for fiscal year 2026 and approved enhanced outreach activities for the domestic well mitigation program to demonstrate proactive community engagement to state regulators. Multiple groundwater monitoring exceedances were reported across several districts, requiring mitigation plans within 60 days under existing agreements. Staff will issue budget pricing requests by month's end with final approval expected in January for March implementation.
The board reviewed governance issues including incorrect membership documentation that needs correction and challenges with the environmental representative selection process due to inactive nominating organizations. South County cities requested changes to their board representation method, arguing that non-member cities currently have inappropriate influence over their representative selection. The committee also established new leadership and approved a quarterly meeting schedule while...
