TO: Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency
FROM: Brian D. Bordona, Director - Planning, Building and Environmental Services
REPORT BY: Jamison Crosby, Natural Resources Conservation Manager
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency Budget
RECOMMENDATION
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Conduct a Public Hearing to consider testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget for the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency for total appropriations of $2,481,182. (Fiscal Impact: $500,000 General Fund Expense; Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
On December 17, 2019, the Napa County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2019-152, establishing the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (NCGSA). In accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA), the NCGSA is charged with sustainable management of groundwater in the Napa Valley Subbasin. The Napa Valley Subbasin has been designated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as a high-priority groundwater basin, requiring the development and implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), which was submitted to DWR on January 31, 2022 and approved on January 26, 2023.
On December 9, 2025, the NCGSA Board adopted a resolution 2025-05 authorizing the NCGSA to charge fees to groundwater users in the Napa Valley Subbasin. The fee goes into effect on July 1, 2026. For the self-supplied and agricultural user classes, the fee will appear on property taxes mailed out in late summer 2026. For the public water system user class, bills will be mailed out directly to public water systems in summer 2026.
The Fiscal Year 2026-27 recommended budget includes total appropriations of $2,481,182 consisting of $2,468,300 in services and supplies and $12,882 for the indirect cost allocation. Total revenue is projected at $3,349,428, including $2,168,300 in groundwater user fee revenue, $631,128 in intergovernmental revenue, $50,000 in interest earnings, and $500,000 in transfers from the General Fund.
The recommended $500,000 General Fund contribution supports continued implementation of SGMA in Fiscal Year 2026-27 consistent with prior direction from the NCGSA Board. Final adoption of the budget will be on the June 23, 2026 consent calendar.
Procedural Requirements:
1. Open Public Hearing
2. Staff Report
3. Public Comment
4. Board Discussion
5. Close Public Hearing
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Fund 2720, Division 27200 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Yes. Napa County is required by State law to implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The County would be out of compliance with State law. |
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Additional Information: |
Strategic Initiative: Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.