1. Board approves 5% increase in 2027 agricultural water rates The board voted 4–1, with Director Ed Tobias opposed, to increase both volumetric and fixed per-acre charges by 5%. Staff had proposed 7%, citing year-over-year increases of roughly 10% in staff costs, nearly 26% in lumber costs and 14% in chemical costs. Directors discussed increases ranging from 2.5% to 7%, balancing costs against the effect on growers. One commenter urged spending cuts instead of a rate increase; another supported an increase in in-district rates. The adopted rates are below the maximum rates staff said the district could set for 2027.
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