July 2025 Board Meeting

Major Takeaways:

1. Significant Rate Increase and Rising Delinquencies: The district faces mounting financial pressures with delinquent accounts increasing from 365 to 556 customers, totaling $791,000 (up from $516,000 last year). This 40% increase in delinquencies coincides with ongoing rate increases, with two more years of increases still planned.

2. La Contenta Wastewater System Requires $36 Million Upgrade: The board approved an updated master plan for La Contenta's wastewater treatment system, which needs substantial improvements including new bioreactor basins, clarifiers, and pipeline infrastructure. The project will be phased with costs shared between existing customers (for rehabilitation) and new developers (for capacity expansion).

3. Successful Summer Work Program Creates Pipeline for Future Water Industry Workers: The district completed a six-week summer program employing four high school students at $20/hour, with one graduate already pursuing water treatment operator certifications. The program addresses critical workforce needs in an industry identified as resistant to AI replacement.

Additional Key Takeaways:

4. Customer service portal membership exceeded 10,000 users, achieving 66% participation rate among active accounts, well above the 58% industry standard.

5. The district reinstated past due notices and late fees to address growing delinquency issues, moving away from the moratorium period during COVID.

6. Golden mussel prevention efforts continue at New Hogan Reservoir, with the Army Corps installing decontamination units and conducting boat inspections.

7. Discussions are underway for potential regionalization with Valley Springs Public Utility District to share wastewater treatment capacity and access grant funding.

8. The district is exploring an emergency water supply intertie with Union Public Utility District, potentially funded through FEMA grants.

9. CPPA (Calaveras Public Power Authority) rates are increasing significantly this year, though still below PG&E commercial rates.

10. Staff is developing updated capacity fees for the La Contenta project, expected to be presented to the board by year-end.

Board Actions:

• Approved: Consent agenda including July 9 meeting minutes, June investment transactions, and cell tower lease amendment
• Approved: La Contenta wastewater master plan update (4-1 vote, with President Davidson voting no due to concerns about growth projections)
• Approved: Annual resolution to place $791,000 in delinquent charges on county tax rolls

How to Engage: Contact CCWD at 209-754-3028 or visit their website for more information. The next board meetings are scheduled for August 13 and August 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Public comments are welcome during the meetings or can be submitted to staff in advance.