At the Dec. 12 meeting of the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency, the executive officer reported the agency’s annual Watermaster extraction reports show 87.2% compliance, leaving 18 WMID holders who had not submitted required reports.

The executive officer also told the board that delinquent assessments total "just shy of $100,000," which participants and a board member later referenced as about $98,500. He said staff is working with outside counsel on enforcement options and that the agency is seeking a fair, consistent collection process.

Several board members responded to the report. Board Member (Speaker 6) said publicly identifying nonpayers in future reports should be considered so those who are paying know "who's getting a free ride." Another board member (Speaker 1) cautioned staff and counsel to examine the legal liabilities of publicizing nonpayers before adopting that practice.

The board did not adopt a specific enforcement action at the Dec. 12 meeting but discussed next steps and directed staff to evaluate options with counsel.