Jeffrey J. Umbrasas

The Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District's Urban Water Management Plan is a comprehensive assessment and long-term resource planning document spanning 2025 to 2045. It outlines the District's strategies for ensuring a safe and reliable water supply by analyzing historical and projected water demands, characterizing supply sources, and evaluating water service reliability under various hydrologic conditions, including drought. The plan integrates conservation efforts, demand management measures, and a robust Water Shortage Contingency Plan, while also addressing seismic risk planning and consistency with regional and state water supply strategies, to support long-term service and eligibility for state and federal funding.

The agenda includes an oral report by the Escondido Fire Department regarding current events and community fire readiness relating to Improvement District E (ID-E). An update on District Conservation Programs, Regional Water Supplies, and Statewide Water Resource Outlook will be provided. The General Manager is to be authorized to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Partners in Public Innovation to perform strategic planning services for the District. An update on Harmony Grove Village Sewer Treatment Plant will be given. The board will discuss the CSDA Southern Area Seat A Board of Directors 2025 Election. There will be a report from the General Manager and Legal Counsel, followed by a closed session to discuss litigation matters.

The special meeting addressed the CY 2025 rates and charges, focusing on the significant revenue gap caused by declining water sales and the impact of external factors driving double-digit rate increases. Key discussion points included balancing financial and system risks, reviewing various alternatives for rate adjustments, and mitigating budget impacts through measures like federal and state grant funding, budget cuts, and staff optimization. The board also considered an upfront payment pilot program to offer member agencies a discount for early payments of fixed charges and discussed the long-range financial planning schedule to ensure transparency and collaboration in rate development.

This strategic plan serves as a forward-looking guide to deliver dependable, innovative, and responsible water services to the community. It is structured around five key priorities: Promoting Fiscal and Resource Health, Prioritizing Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Enhancing Every Department's Customer Service, Strengthening Organizational Capacity, and Ensuring the Reliability and Longevity of Assets and Infrastructure. The plan aims to ensure a secure and sustainable water future and build a more resilient future for San Diego County and its served communities.

The Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District is proposing adjustments to charges for sewer service in the Harmony Grove Village Sewer Service Area. The adjustments are required to fund the District's sewer enterprise to ensure it continues to safely and reliably provide sewer collection, wastewater treatment, and production of recycled water while meeting all regulatory requirements. The proposed adjustments will fund ongoing operation and maintenance needs, capital improvements, debt service related to a solar energy project, and the establishment of reserves for the sewer enterprise. The District is also incorporating non-customer charge revenue where possible to minimize sewer charge adjustments.