1. $50/Acre-Foot Groundwater Extraction Fee Approved for FY 2026-27 The Board approved Resolution 05-2026 establishing a groundwater extraction fee of $50 per acre-foot, effective for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2026. The majority protest hearing yielded only 28 protests out of 333 possible votes, far short of the majority needed to block the fee. The fee is charged only on groundwater extracted; however, all parcels were noticed and could submit protests under the majority-protest process. The fee represents a significant increase from prior levels and is intended to bring the GSA current on obligations and fund projected expenses. Staff acknowledged that if future costs (including potential adjudication expenses) exceed projections, a similar SGMA/majority-protest notice process could be required to increase the fee further.
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