TO: Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency
FROM: Brian D. Bordona - Director of Planning, Building and Environmental Services
REPORT BY: Jamison Crosby - Natural Resources Conservation Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of Fee Structure in Support of GSP Implementation
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution to implement Groundwater Sustainability fees in the Napa Valley Subbasin, as authorized by Water Code ? 10730 to support implementation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. (Fiscal Impact; $2,168,300 Revenue; Not Budgeted; GSA Fund; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
SCI Consulting Group (the "SCI Team") evaluated and provided a range of options for the establishment of a fee, special tax, or benefit assessment to fund NCGSA management and GSP implementation and related programs. Initial planning was conducted throughout 2023, including stakeholder outreach and preparation of a Funding Options Technical Memorandum. On September 24, 2024 the Memorandum was presented to the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (NCGSA) and direction was provided to pursue a fee program based on estimated groundwater extraction in accordance with California Water Code section ? 10730.
On April 22, 2025, the NCGSA received a presentation with three rate scenarios apportioning costs to groundwater users in the Napa Valley Subbasin. The NCGSA directed staff to further develop the fee methodology under Rate Scenario 3, which utilizes three different charge types (one for each groundwater user class) and apportions costs based on "Common Costs" and "Applied Groundwater Use Costs," and incorporates an annual contribution from the County's general fund.
Staff are aware of the challenges faced by the grape growing and winemaking communities statewide and in Napa County. Since its inception in 2019, the NCGSA budget has been subsidized entirely by the general fund. The County intends for the NCGSA to be self-funded by those who benefit through assessment to groundwater use...
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