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Yukaya Valley GSA approves FY2026–27 budget with 3.21% fee increase
Summary
The Yukaya Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency approved its FY2026–27 operating budget, including a 3.21% sustainability-fee increase intended to keep pace with inflation, while projecting roughly $700,000 in reserves and continued grant funding from CDFW.
Maya Simmerson, general manager of the Yukaya Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, presented the agency's proposed fiscal year 2026–27 operating budget and recommended a 3.21% increase to the sustainability fee to "keep up with inflation." She told the board the budget relies on continued California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) grant funding and includes model updates, a well-inventory study and the agency's periodic-evaluation work due in January 2027.
"The most notable adjustments to the budget for this upcoming year is an adjustment of 3.21% to the sustainability fee to keep up with inflation," Simmerson said. She reported estimated revenues of about $663,900 from fees and roughly $450,000 in grant reimbursements, and projected a reserve (cash balance) of about $700,000 for future projects and equipment repairs.
Board members on the ad hoc and finance discussions praised staff for clarification and asked whether the fee increase is strictly necessary given the projected reserves. Vice Chair Crane asked, "Are we 100% sure that the adjustment of 3.21% ... is necessary?" and urged caution because many fee payers are agricultural and rangeland operators facing market pressures. Director Bailey noted the agency's format helps track project-level spending and flagged that upcoming agenda items could alter budget needs.
Simmerson and directors also flagged potential additional funding from Proposition 4 that could allow future fee reductions or changes in the agency's funding trajectory. After discussion, a motion to approve the budget passed on a roll-call vote: Director Gaska, Director Bailey, Vice Chair Crane and Chair Klein all recorded "Aye."
