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Council approves joint‑powers agreement with Porterville Irrigation District to form local Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Summary
Council authorized a JPA with Porterville Irrigation District to form the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), appointed two council members to the JPA board and named a staff alternate. The JPA will prepare a groundwater sustainability plan under SGMA and seek funding partnerships.
The Porterville City Council voted to enter a joint‑powers agreement with the Porterville Irrigation District (PID) to form a local Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for parts of the Tule Subbasin under their jurisdictions.
Why it matters: The state placed the Tule Subbasin on probation in 2024 for deficiencies in the existing Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency plan. The new JPA is intended to create a more localized governance structure to address SGMA requirements, coordinate projects and pursue grant and project funds.
Key points from staff presentation - Purpose: The new Porterville GSA will be a public entity to develop and implement a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) that meets state SGMA requirements for the local area overseen by the city and PID. - Governance: The draft JPA presented had a four‑member board (2 PID members, 1 council member and 1 city staff representative). Councilmembers discussed board size and representation; council ultimately directed that Porterville appoint two elected members plus a city staff representative and offered that MH Michael Knight serve as the staff alternate. - Funding: Initial administrative costs will be shared; future funding could include state grants, groundwater extraction fees or other assessments. City staff said initial costs will be budgeted from the water operating fund.
Direct quotes from the meeting - “The creation of the Joint Powers Authority will establish the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency as a public entity separate, from its members,” Assistant City Manager Michael Knight said while summarizing the JPA terms.
Council action and appointments - Motion to approve the JPA between the City of Porterville and Porterville Irrigation District, to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement, and to appoint the mayor and vice mayor as the city’s board members with Michael Knight as the alternate: motion made and seconded; vote: 5–0 — outcome: approved.
What happens next: Staff will forward the approved JPA to PID for their consideration, continue technical work to develop the GSP, pursue available grants, and return to council with bylaw and fiscal policy language and any recommended coordination agreements with neighboring GSAs.
