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Agency adopts FY 2025–26 budget and personnel updates; board imposes $9,050 fine on unmetered well owner
Summary
The Ohio Valley GMA approved the FY 2025–26 budget (including a $250,000 line for the GSP evaluation), updated financial procedures and part‑time staff agreements, and adopted Resolution 2025‑5 imposing $50/day penalties (181 days, $9,050) against the owner of an unmetered well.
At its Sept. 25 meeting the Ohio Valley Groundwater Management Agency approved several administrative and enforcement actions: adoption of the FY 2025–26 budget (including a $250,000 allocation for the GSP periodic evaluation), approval of a revised financial policy and procedure manual, ratification of updated employment agreements for two part‑time staff, and adoption of a resolution imposing civil penalties on a noncompliant well owner.
General Manager Julia told the board she increased the budget line for the five‑year periodic GSP evaluation from $200,000 to $250,000 to pay for the expected level of consultant effort and other work tied to the DWR deadline. The board voted to adopt the FY 2025–26 budget by roll call.
The board also approved revised financial policies that increase the general manager’s authorization for professional services and purchases consistent with prior board direction, and it approved employment agreements for two part‑time staff (Cece and Tara) that include a 5% hourly rate increase and incorporation of California sick‑leave regulations.
In a special hearing following the regular meeting, staff presented a case against the owner/operator of State Well 05N22W32HO1S for failure to install a required meter and for delinquent quarterly statements. Staff reported repeated outreach since March with no substantive response; the board voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑5 imposing a $50 per day civil penalty for the period March 28–Sept. 25 (181 days), totaling $9,050.
Board members stressed the importance of equitable treatment of all well owners while enforcing the metering and reporting rules; staff said some other owners had requested exemptions under the board’s meter exemption policy but that none had completed the required county certificate and OBGMA exemption application. The resolution and policy enforcement are administrative actions intended to obtain compliance and consistent reporting.
