Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Groundwater use fees were adopted for FY 2026-2027 / current reporting period (Nov 1, 2025–Oct 31, 2026), with Category 3 rising to $316.94/AF above 1.6 AF/acre. The board authorized unpaid fees to go on county tax rolls and reviewed draft meter/electrical/recharge guidelines; staff will refine them.
The board approved adding a Field Services Manager position to split operational duties and support oversight of six major capital projects. Staff noted the first advertised project is Tank D and Cotton Main. A consultant reviewed OPEB trust options for the ~$6.3M retiree healthcare liability; Budget & Finance will review; no OPEB action was taken.
Board approved consent minutes, a $34,041.86 bad-debt write-off, financial reports, and a credit card policy update. Staff discussed cost pressures behind past rate increases and gave updates on Sandmound consolidation phasing ahead of an August construction-grant application. Directors discussed recycled-water coordination with Ironhouse Sanitary District; an EPA sub-awardee agreement is nearing completion.
The Carpinteria Valley Water District Board voted 3-2 to place CAP project capital charges on the property tax roll for FY 2026-27 amid strong public opposition. In the subsequent GSA meeting, staff reported well registration at 49%, with meters due by July 31 ahead of the August 31 compliance deadline and penalty billing discussed for September 1. A $20,000 public outreach contract with Two Trumpets Communications was approved.
Groundwater sustainability fees were approved for FY 2026-27 placement on the county secured property tax roll, with earliest collections potentially in October but most likely in December and April. The Fallowed Land Registry has surpassed 4,000 enrolled acres, with discussion of a potential 8,000+. The Board approved staff recommendations on a refund path available for landowners still documenting their water source within one year.
