Stay on top of SGMA

The committee approved releasing an RFP for demand management technical consulting, with the bulk of work ideally completed by around October to support key program decisions and the overall scope noting completion by December 31. A Water and Land Solutions contract for the Stoney Creek recharge program was also approved (not to exceed $16,500 per diversion season). Members discussed long-term risks from voluntary agreements and possible unimpaired flow requirements that could cut surface ...

Staff discussed a draft OBBB letter agreement ($195M to FWA with a $5M Reclamation holdback) supporting Friant-Kern Canal subsidence correction, including Phase 1 replacement pump stations and Phase 2A parallel canal work. Golden mussel settlement was confirmed; AAIS NPDES permit expected mid-September.

Board approved appeals 1, 2, and 4 (meter portion); denied 3 and 8; continued 5–7 to June for standing-tree/pending data. 60 modification requests processed; modified/appeal invoices to be mailed/emailed early next week with a 30-day window; 2026 reporting period to open today. FY 26/27 Operational Budget adopted; Project/Management Action Budget returns in June for TID cash-flow clarity.

Basin conditions were reported as sustainable with no GSP actions triggered, and the draft Urban Water Management Plan projects supply meeting demand through 2045 under required scenarios. The Board discussed (no action) the FY 2026/27 draft budget assuming 1.75% connection growth and major capital spending, including the assumption of the previously noticed 7.25% Prop 218 increase effective July 1. UWMP and budget adoption are scheduled for June 10.

The board adopted an updated SGMA groundwater management fee of $0.60/acre for FY 2026/27–2030/31, down from $6.39/acre, citing a ~$1.5M program balance from prior years of over-collection. The GM reported a 5% CVP allocation increase (2,000+ acre-feet) and additional water available on request. FY 2026/27 budget revenue totals $36.4M.