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 adopted a $17 million operating budget for 2026 with a 7% rate increase, facing projected operational losses due to reduced Tri-Dam revenue. Draft groundwater management programs were reviewed, including a well mitigation program and allocation reductions up to 65% in some areas, with formal GSA adoption targeted for January 2026. All employee groups received a 1.6% CPI-based COLA effective January 9, 2026.
The Board approved a major raw water charge increase for wholesale city customers (effective 2027), reflecting deferred rate adjustments since 2005 and actual system costs. An emergency $480,700 repair project was authorized for critical Drain 11 infrastructure serving South Manteca. Additionally, a temporary agreement allows the City of Manteca to discharge stormwater through district facilities until August 2026, addressing stormwater capacity concerns in southwest development areas.
The Board discussed Tulare ID's stronger SGMA position, noting it is now **out of probation** and working with **DWR**, which puts it ahead of some neighboring areas. Members raised concerns about a $10,000 County Farm Bureau contribution to a legal defense fund tied to a roughly $2 million case, and staff stressed the need to coordinate on pumping allocations. The Board then went into closed session.
The board received a clean financial audit showing strong fiscal health with $608 million in total assets and increased unrestricted reserves. Directors approved extending participation in the Yuba Dry Year Water Purchase Program through 2050, keeping access to cost-effective supplemental water that staff described as cheaper than current Table A costs in the example given. The Department of Water Resources announced an initial 2026 State Water Project allocation of just 10% based ...
Public speakers highlighted the Pure Water Southern California project, which is expected to reduce State Water Project demands by about 100,000 acre-feet annually, with formal board consideration expected soon. Carpenter union representatives raised concerns about the Sites Reservoir project potentially selecting an out-of-state contractor over qualified California firms. The General Manager transition continues as retiring Devin Upadhyay hands over leadership to incoming Shivaji Deshmukh.
