Liana M. Whyte

The report summarizes discussions from various committee and board meetings. Key topics include an increase in funding for contracts providing legal advice on Colorado River matters, a study on the affordability of water services within the district's service area, and an update on the Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) rehabilitation program. The Audit Committee received an overview of an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. Other items included updates on facility naming criteria, approvals for cost-of-wage increases for board direct reports, discussions regarding water surplus and storage, and closed sessions concerning performance evaluations and labor negotiations.

The Board of Directors and its standing committees met to address multiple agenda items including the Treasurer's report on investments and cash flow, and the approval of a side letter agreement with Teamsters 986 regarding uniform allowance compliance. The board also focused on establishing water rates and charges for the upcoming calendar year, including setting a three percent rate increase, adopting ordinances for water delivery and services, the permanent special agricultural water rate program, and system and water treatment capacity charges. Additionally, the Board reviewed the mid-term budget and discussed capital improvement program strategies and business insurance purchases.

The Board meeting included public comments regarding air and water quality concerns, a closed session conference on real property, and a presentation and discussion regarding a long-term water exchange delivery agreement with the Eastern Municipal Water District. The agreement facilitates the exchange of conserved water supplies, aiming to provide operational flexibility, financial stability, and long-term supply durability for the participating agencies.

The committee meeting covered several key topics including the receipt of the Government Finance Officer Association award for excellence in financial reporting, approval of the monthly treasurer's report, and a detailed presentation on the development process for calendar year 2027 rates and charges. The board discussed the accounting treatment for new third-party water sales, emphasizing the creation of a new reserve fund to manage prepayments as liabilities until water delivery occurs. Members stressed the importance of fiscal prudence regarding these funds, noted that these new water deals act to offset losses from previous member agency detachments, and highlighted that the prepayments are tied to negotiated unit prices over an extended period.

The meeting included a moment of silence for victims of a recent tragedy and a discussion on the importance of unity. Public comments covered concerns regarding the Cadiz water mining project, water pricing discrepancies, and requests for improved transparency in the public comment process. The Board celebrated the achievement of an investment policy certification from the California Municipal Treasurers Association and conducted an administrative and finance committee session.