Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Board reviewed and gave direction on a new two-part regulatory fee structure concept that would charge both taxable and non-taxable parcels, with a flat parcel fee plus usage-based fees for agricultural cropped land and domestic users. The Board also supported continuing to explore reduced Part 2 fees for parcels using imported Feather River water. A draft five-year budget uses about $470,000 annually as a planning target to support SGMA compliance operations.
At its January 29 meeting, the joint committee heard that DWR requested more information on the 180/400-Foot Aquifer Subbasin plan by April 30. Staff outlined April 1 annual reports and January 2027 periodic evaluations, with possible plan amendments, including reconsideration of a seawater intrusion measurable objective. Deep-aquifer extraction has more than doubled in 15 years, and a draft management framework is planned for public review.
The Board completed governance training and adopted new meeting procedures to improve efficiency. They approved transitioning to Five Star Bank, saving approximately $106,000 annually through reduced fees and higher interest earnings. The income assistance program was expanded to include qualifying nonprofits at a 50% discount, estimated to cost $12,513 annually.
The March 31st deadline for agricultural well registration and meter installation is approaching, with non-compliant growers facing maximum rate charges. Groundwater levels are recovering well from recent rainfall, with most monitoring wells showing seasonal peaks at or above previous years. Lake Cachuma spilled following December storms, allowing the district to exclusively use spill water and keep groundwater wells offline for basin recovery.
Board approved major infrastructure contracts, backed by substantial state and federal funding, including wastewater treatment upgrades and a consolidation project to address system failures. Community members raised concerns about rising bills ($400–$900 for some) and billing issues, and the GM said rates will be revisited during the upcoming budget process. Residents requested quarterly evening meetings after a strong turnout at 5:30 PM session that signaled demand for accessible meetings.
