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Galt adopts sustainable groundwater fees for 157 parcels, staff estimates modest revenue
Summary
Council approved sustainable groundwater management fees that apply to 157 private-well parcels and roughly 174.4 irrigated acres, with a base parcel charge of about $35.59 and an additional $10 per irrigated acre; projected private-parcel revenue ~ $7,300 and the city's water utility share ~ $26,500.
The Galt City Council approved resolutions establishing sustainable groundwater management fees to fund ongoing SGMA obligations in the Cosumnes Subbasin. Public Works Director Fritz Buckman said the proposed program follows a CGA fee study and applies to 157 parcels with private wells and about 174.4 irrigated agricultural acres. The fee structure includes a base parcel charge of roughly $35.59 per parcel and a $10-per-acre fee for irrigated agricultural acreage; Buckman estimated private-parcel revenue just over $7,300 and said the city's water utility would pay about $26,500 for 2026–27.
Buckman said three public properties (for example a school district parcel and the Galt Cemetery District parcels) will be hand-billed rather than included on the county tax roll because public entities cannot be charged through property taxes. Council members asked about billing timing and whether fallow acreage would be charged; staff described an appeal process and use of aerial imagery and owner-provided information to determine irrigated acreage. After confirming there were no public comments, the council adopted the resolutions by a 4–0 roll-call vote.
