1. Extraction Fee Burden Shifting to Agriculture — Staff to Bring Back for Discussion Before Budget Season As the City of Ventura pumps less groundwater (due to water quality issues and future direct potable reuse plans), the per-acre-foot extraction fee has risen, and agricultural users now shoulder roughly 75% of total fees — up from an original 50/50 split with the city. The Board and staff acknowledged this is a "double whammy" for growers (higher rate and higher share) and are exploring whether differentiated fee structures are legally permissible under Proposition 218. A presentation on this topic is targeted for a future meeting (staff discussed April as a goal), ahead of the May budget workshop and June fee adoption. Stakeholders may want to monitor upcoming agendas and consider attending or submitting comments if this item is brought forward.
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