At its October 6 meeting, Oakdale Irrigation District heard public comments on regional water supply and farm-water outreach, then recessed ahead of a scheduled labor-negotiations closed session. The agenda included a Proposition 218 hearing on proposed Improvement District 48 rates for 2027–2031, FY 2027 budget and agricultural water rate discussions, and possible canal-project awards involving proposed 2026 budget increases totaling $4.45 million.
The board approved extending in-district irrigation deliveries through late October. The district approved transitioning to the ACWA/JPIA pooled health program effective 1/1/2027 after a 53% Sutter rate spike, adding a PPO option. Staff reported ~65% system capacity and ~750,000 AF YTD inflow; pre-1914 out-of-district deliveries have ended. Delta Dental and VSP renewals through Aqua JPIA were approved with no rate increases.
The board approved a Prop 218 notice for Improvement District 48 rates with a public hearing set for Oct. 6, 2026. Mid-year financials showed stable revenues; Tier 2 use was down 528 acre-feet year-over-year and in-district sales rose ~1% despite a 7% rate increase. The President appointed Brad and Jacob DeBoer to a Tri-Dam PPA ad hoc committee.
The board approved a not-to-exceed $259,640 work release with David's Engineering to advance the Robert Van Lier Regulating Reservoir expansion to 100% design (projected near 500 acre-feet). Staff presented continued east-side groundwater declines and SGMA demand-management timelines (starting ~30%). Out-of-district deliveries exceeded 12,000 acre-feet in 2025, generating nearly $3 million in revenue.
Paulsell Phase 1—about six miles of canal expansion funded by a $14.4M grant—was reported complete, designed for up to 180 cfs. Phase 2 work was discussed for this winter (design proposal expected soon). District groundwater pumping remains minimal at under 200 acre-feet, with surface water rights handling most supply needs. Proposition 4 grant funding was discussed as a future opportunity.
