1. Board Votes to Initiate Proposition 218 Process for Future Water Rate Authority The Board voted to begin a Proposition 218 process, which could give the District authority to adjust water rates beyond what is currently allowed. Under existing authority, rates can only increase by approximately 3.25% combined for next year (4.9% on the fixed rate, 2.2% on the variable rate). The District has been operating at a deficit—expenses exceed revenues—and leadership stressed that without a gradual rate path, growers could face a sudden large increase down the road. Starting the process does not mean rates will go up immediately; it establishes the option for future years. A work group of growers will be convened as part of the process, and the Board emphasized its track record of restraint, including years with no increases and one year where rates were actually lowered.
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