Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
The board approved a $165/acre assessment rate for 2026-2027, below the staff-recommended maximum of ~$180.33. Staff discussed rising subsidence risk and a possible tiered upper/lower aquifer allocation framework, with recommendations targeted by this fall. The SWRCB interim plan timeline was discussed: potential adoption by July 2027 with effect in 2028, adding uncertainty around local pumping management.
Water Year 2027 groundwater allocations remain unchanged at 9 inches tiered and 10 inches native yield, though staff flagged drier conditions and potential supply stress in 2030–2033. A $550K groundwater model update scope/budget was approved (MKGSA share stated as ~$183K under an equal cost-share arrangement) targeted for spring next year to produce outputs ahead of WY2028 allocations. Well registration remains behind at 358 of ~1,300 wells; staff expects a revised strategy within 30 days.
Unpaid 2025 penalties (~$892K across ~80 APNs) were approved by the committee 2-0 as a recommendation for Board adoption of special-assessment resolutions for tax-roll collection; 2024 unpaid items will receive a Notice of Levy. Staff discussed holding off on levying the $59/irrigated-acre GSP fee pending a cost review around Dec 2026. Farm unit scenarios were reviewed showing how growers can pool allocations across parcels to manage extractions and avoid penalties.
Non-payment notices were sent to 71 accounts; most invoices are due by end of July, with some corrected invoices due August 9, and unpaid amounts may be added to the county tax roll. Staff reviewed draft meter/electrical guidelines (0.81 factor; 5-year meter calibration; 3-year pump tests). Staff recommended shifting MLRP timing by potentially deferring earthwork-heavy basin work and potentially advancing vegetative projects to reduce March 2027 grant risk.
Board took no vote/action on the $1.3M Phase 2 mussel treatment while reviewing liability/insurance and alternatives; an August special meeting was discussed. Water supply is 100% Class 1, 0% Class 2, with earlier season taper expected. Board adopted Subsidence Exceedance Policy v2.0.
