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GSA updates domestic well mitigation program, eyes fee review after year of implementation
Summary
Staff reported 178 households in the domestic well mitigation intake, 97 meeting eligibility, and a proposed memorandum of understanding with Self Help Enterprise to provide supplemental funding; the committee was told the GSP fee ($59 per irrigated acre) and a budget placeholder under $4.5 million will be reviewed later in 2026.
County staff updated the committee on the Madera County domestic well mitigation program and related fee considerations on July 14, outlining household intake, eligibility results and plans for a supplemental funding agreement with Self Help Enterprise.
Jared Weeks, administrative services officer for the Madera County GSA, said the program snapshot shows 178 households in the intake queue: 40 households contacted the GSA directly and 138 were referred by Self Help Enterprise. "A total of 97 applications have met that criteria," Weeks said; he added 54 applications failed to meet eligibility and 27 remain in progress.
Weeks said Provost & Pritchard and other partners are supporting implementation and that the GSA is drafting a memorandum of understanding with Self Help Enterprise to allow supplemental funding for costs that exceed the program cap. The committee’s adopted program resolution allows eligible well components to be funded up to $35,000; the MOU is intended to allow Self Help Enterprise to cover differences or support larger projects such as connecting households to community water systems.
Weeks also updated the committee on the GSP fee: the current fee is $59 per irrigated acre and the FY 26–27 budget includes a placeholder of just under $4.5 million. Resolution 2025‑67 requires the county GSA to review the fee annually; staff said a one‑year implementation period and a peak‑demand review will inform any fee change and that a presentation is scheduled for December 2026.
Public commenters pressed for clarity about whether staff would pause placing the fee on property tax statements while the year of implementation completes. Michelle Lascoyde, a local farmer and resident, asked whether the 138 referrals represent the previously referenced list of “200+” households; Weeks said the number settled to 138 after coordination with Self Help Enterprise. Devin Aviles (online) thanked staff and said delaying a special assessment until April would be appreciated by growers.
Staff said they will continue outreach, finalize the MOU terms with Self Help Enterprise, and present a fee‑review analysis to the committee later in the year.
