Chad Hurshman

The Finance Committee discussed unaudited financial statements as of March 31, 2026, including a comprehensive review of the District's financial position, budgetary performance, and operational trends. The discussion covered revenue variances, such as the shortfall in water sales revenue, and expenditure variances across various departments. Additionally, the committee reviewed the investment of District funds, the cash position, and provided updates on grant-reimbursable capital infrastructure projects.

The committee meeting covered updates on the ASADRA Terminal Reservoir Seismic Retrofit Project, professional services contracts for the Romero Reservoir Retrofit Project including project management and pre-construction services, a review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Projects, an update on FEMA project approvals, and a customer relations and public information summary. The committee also entered into a closed session regarding real property negotiations.

The board discussed a wildfire hydraulic modeling analysis conducted by Wood Rodgers in collaboration with the Montecito Fire Protection District. The presentation covered the methodology used to simulate a six-hour wildfire event, focusing on potential impacts to the water system, including pressure, flow, and reservoir levels. The analysis concluded that the water system remains reliable and robust, maintaining adequate pressure and storage even with certain reservoirs offline due to construction projects.

The board meeting included reports from the council regarding closed session items and updates from various committees, including operations, customer relations, finance, and strategic planning. Discussions covered the urban water management plan, updates on Central Coast Water Authority water transfers, and the introduction of their incoming executive director. Additionally, board members disclosed their attendance at various special district and regional meetings, including upcoming presentations on innovative water technologies.

The Board of Directors adopted a resolution concurring in a nomination to the California Water Insurance Fund Board. The meeting included informational updates regarding customer relations, general management, and a financial strategy for the ASAD RA Reservoir seismic retrofit and replacement project. Reports were provided on various committee activities, including strategic planning, the Central Coast Water Authority, Cachuma operations, and legislative matters. The Board also conducted a closed session to review existing and anticipated litigation and discuss real property negotiations related to State Water Project assets.