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Napa County board adopts groundwater-fee structure to fund sustainability plan
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted a fee structure intended to fund the Napa Valley Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan, setting a legal ceiling for rates while preserving options for future reductions and waivers for qualifying self-supplied users.
The Napa County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 adopted a fee structure to fund implementation of the county nd Groundwater Sustainability Agency's groundwater sustainability plan for the Napa Valley subbasin. The resolution establishes a program budget ceiling and three user classes gricultural, self-supplied, and public water systems nd sets sample rates used in the fee study.
Jamieson Crosby, the county—ngineering and natural-resources manager who led staff work on the plan, told the board the proposal was designed to be durable. "I look at it as we're trying to make our funding structure as sustainable as our groundwater basin," Crosby said during the presentation. Consultant Ryan Aston of SCI outlined the legal framework, citing Water Code Section 10730 and the Proposition 26 exceptions that allow a fee that is proportional to the benefit conferred.
The study presented an illustrative county contribution of $500,000 to reduce direct charges on groundwater users and provide financial stability. Using a hybrid allocation method that separates common costs from applied groundwater-use costs and a five-year pumping average, the study produced example charges such as approximately $98.74 per irrigated planted acre for agricultural users, $62.58 per parcel for self-supplied users, and $129.87 per acre-foot for public water systems. Staff characterized those numbers as a ceiling the board could adopt and adjust downward later.
Public commenters raised monitoring and equity concerns. Patricia Damry urged more metering to improve data accuracy; consultant and community speakers urged incentives for growers to report pumping; representatives of the wine industry asked the county to increase its contribution and to clarify billing and appeals. Supervisors pressed staff on budget trade-offs, waiver eligibility, and options to phase or reduce costs over time.
Supervisor Gallagher moved to adopt the resolution; after debate over a proposed phase-in, the board voted to adopt the fee study and associated resolution. Board members and staff emphasized that the fees set a legal maximum and can be reduced in future years if costs fall or additional funding is secured. The adopted action directs staff to proceed with implementation steps, including further outreach and preparation of levy roll rules for possible collection in fiscal year 2026—27.
The GSA presentation and supporting documents remain available on the county website for property owners and water-system operators seeking details on assessment methods, waiver procedures and timeline for implementation.
The board voted to adopt the resolution; the motion passed unanimously. The next administrative steps include public outreach, a postcard mailer to eligible parcels and finalizing levy roll rules if the board proceeds to levy fees.
