San Dieguito Water District adopts FY26–27 budget; board hears water‑supply update

The San Dieguito Water District board convened immediately after the Encinitas special council session on June 17 and unanimously adopted its proposed FY2026–27 operating and capital budget.

Finance Manager Ellie Aguilar presented the budget, saying total revenues for FY26/27 are projected at $30,800,000 and the proposed operating expenditures are approximately $27,500,000. She said the district recommends a $4,000,000 CIP appropriation for infrastructure and listed proposed projects and vehicle replacements. The board voted to adopt the budget and to approve position titles and pay ranges for the coming fiscal year; the motion carried unanimously with one board member absent.

In an informational update, Aguilar told the board that Encinitas has seen above‑average precipitation this water year (about 113% of the yearly average to date) and that statewide reservoirs are generally above historical averages. She summarized two long‑term transfer agreements the San Diego County Water Authority approved this spring, which Aguilar said could bring roughly $27,000,000 per year for 21 years and facilitate transfers totaling more than 420,000 acre‑feet.

Aguilar also described the district’s financial structure (operating, capital replacement and rate stabilization reserves) and noted the district expects to have about $2,900,000 in capital replacement reserve but remains short of an identified target by roughly $6,000,000, an issue to be addressed in the next rate update.

The board filed the informational items and received brief director reports; General Manager Harish was absent and a staff stand‑in offered the closing remarks. The meeting adjourned after routine board business.

Ending: The board adopted the FY26–27 budget and will incorporate reserve targets into the next rate study; staff will continue to monitor supply conditions and return with necessary policy updates.