North Unit Irrigation District

This Water Management and Conservation Plan for North Unit Irrigation District outlines the district's strategy for efficient water use and management. It details the irrigation system, water conservation measures, water allocation during shortages, and long-range water supply elements. Key strategic priorities include providing efficient water delivery, maintaining irrigation acreage and water rights, improving the distribution system through piping and advanced telemetry, and aggressively pursuing water conservation. The plan also addresses drought planning and the exploration of potential water sources, with an emphasis on sustainable resource management and continuous improvement until its scheduled update by December 31, 2032.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous regular board meeting held on November 18, 2025. Financial matters reviewed included the approval of October 2025 bills and the approval of October 2025 financial reports, such as the Budget Comparison and Reserve Funds. Key resolutions passed included Resolution 2025-11 and Resolution 2025-12 regarding debt charges and general charges for the 2026 season, and the approval of the draft 2026-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). A revised Resolution 2025-09 was approved to establish increased fees for temporary water right transfers, removing administrative fees. Operational reports detailed work on pipe installation, canal preparation for lining, meter repairs, and fleet maintenance. Water Operations Specialist updates covered new Strategic Implementation Areas, ongoing grant proposals to Google and USBR for hydrokinetic turbines and automation, and taking over administration for NUID Pesticide Applicator Licensing. The District Manager's report covered conserved water, conference attendance, and delinquent patron accounts. Director Bare was formally recognized for his years of service.

The board meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. Key financial actions included the approval of the October 2025 bills and the September 2025 financial reports. The board approved the draft 2026 budget proposal. Discussions were held regarding allowing the District Manager to enter into an agreement with Amazon Web Services for a possible water-related project, and consideration of the OWRD grant for Lat 43, noting the delay in signing the agreement pending a final order on secondary water use. The board approved entering into the Instream Water Leasing Program Agreement with Deschutes River Conservancy. Resolutions were passed establishing increased fees for permanent water right transfers (Resolution 2025-07) and leasing water rights instream (Resolution 2025-08). Resolution 2025-09 concerning temporary water right transfer fees was tabled for amendment to exclude an administration fee. Operational reports covered water operations, O&M activities, and the District Manager's updates, including pending grant projects and delinquent patron accounts. A public comment requested that full board packets be posted to the website prior to meetings. The board is scheduled to meet jointly with COID in February 2026. The meeting concluded following an Executive Session.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as the COID-NUID Coordination Agreement, OWRD WR Fee Reduction Request, and the Bend Fish Screen Replacement Project. The board certified the election results for Divisions 3 & 5. Reports were presented by the Water Operations Specialist, Operations Manager, District Manager, and Executive Manager, covering water operations, maintenance, grant funding, delinquent accounts, and water supply. The board also discussed the necessity of an end-of-season Town Hall meeting.

The resolution establishes fees associated with temporary water right transfers. It includes an administrative fee for preparing and processing the application to submit to the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), as well as a map fee for preparing the necessary maps for the temporary transfer application. The fee structure is designed to recover costs and ensure fair treatment of all patrons.