Hughson City Council authorizes application for state funding to consolidate two failing water systems

HUGHSON, Calif. — The Hughson City Council on Aug. 11 voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to apply for State Water Resources Control Board funding to consolidate two small, failing water systems into the city system.

State and technical-assistance representatives told council members the two systems — identified in staff materials as Coles Corner and Country Villa — have been out of compliance with drinking-water standards for more than 15 years for arsenic and, in one system, for 1,2,3‑TCP. Coles Corner has about 10 service connections serving roughly 50 people; Country Villa has about 23 service connections serving roughly 60 people. Both systems reported very low production, often less than half a gallon per minute on average.

Brian Kimball of the State Water Resources Control Board told the council the board supports consolidation and urged the city to authorize submission of a grant application so the project can move to the next stage. “We hope the city will adopt this authorizing resolution allowing this consolidation project to move forward and the funding application to be submitted on behalf of the city,” Kimball said.

Carlos Núñez of Self Help Enterprises, the technical-assistance provider on the project, said Self Help has prepared planning documents, engineering reports, plans and environmental materials required for a funding application and that the State Division of Financial Assistance’s review typically takes about a year. Núñez said construction, if funded, could occur in 2027 or later.

Council members praised the staff report and voted to adopt the resolution. A roll call recorded the following votes: Council member McFadden — aye; Council member Vasquez — aye; Council member Strand — aye; Mayor Pro Tem Tim Crooker — aye. The motion passed unanimously.

The resolution authorizes the city manager to submit a funding application under the consolidation incentive program of the State Water Resources Control Board. The resolution number provided in the meeting was read as “2025‑27.” The motion as recorded did not specify a mover or second in the audio record.

Residents and a nearby property owner spoke in support during public comment and raised questions about whether extending water service could lead to future annexation. Henry Esselin asked whether the properties lay within the city’s sphere of influence and noted that water lines can prompt future development decisions.

Staff and the state representatives emphasized that authorizing the application does not approve construction. If funding is awarded, the city and its partners would need to finalize engineering, environmental clearances and a funding agreement before construction could begin.

Action details and next steps listed by staff include finalizing the funding application, awaiting State Division of Financial Assistance review (about one year estimated), and, if awarded, negotiating a funding agreement and developing construction schedules. The meeting record notes staff will continue parallel work on the city’s existing water treatment and compliance matters while pursuing consolidation.