The 2024 Budget: A Snapshot

The 2024 budget, set at $8,781,734, marks an increase from the previous year’s budget of $7,944,397. This budget is a comprehensive plan that allocates funds for various critical areas, including:

$2,906,541 for Conservation Programs: This includes the district’s grant funding for water providers.
$1,498,736 for the Aquifer Conservancy Program (ACP): A significant initiative for groundwater preservation.
$1 million for New Property and Building: An essential step towards expanding our infrastructure to better serve the community.

The budget reflects our ongoing commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the necessity of enhancing and preserving our groundwater resources.

Fee Increases: Why and How?

One of the key decisions this year was the increase in production and transport fees:

Production Fees: Raised from 1.3 cents to 1.8 cents per 1,000 gallons.
Transport Fees: Increased from 10 cents to 12 cents per 1,000 gallons.

These fees are assessed for water production from non-exempt wells and for water exported from the District to other locations.

Reasons Behind the Increase

Sustainable Groundwater Management: The primary driver for this increase is to support the sustainable management of our groundwater. This includes enhancing our capabilities in monitoring and regulating groundwater use.
Rising Operational Costs: The cost of maintaining and improving our infrastructure, vital for effective water resource management, has risen. The fee increase is a direct response to these growing financial requirements.
Enhanced Community Services: The increased fees will also bolster our community services. This includes educational programs on water conservation and initiatives to maintain water security and the long-term health of our aquifers.

Public Involvement and Transparency

It’s important to note that these decisions were made following extensive public hearings and discussions. Our goal is to maintain transparency and actively involve the community in our decision-making process. We believe that an informed and engaged community is crucial for effective groundwater management.

Our Commitment to the Future

The 2024 budget and fee adjustments are not just numbers on a paper; they are a reflection of our commitment to ensuring a sustainable water future for our community. At POSGCD, we are dedicated to managing our precious groundwater resources responsibly and effectively, keeping in mind both the present needs and future generations.

We understand that changes like these can prompt questions and discussions, and we welcome any questions or discussions. Our doors (and inboxes) are always open for community members who wish to learn more or discuss these changes further.

View the full Press Release with highlights from the November 2023 Meetings – here.

Contact Information:
Jaclyn Wise
Public Relations & Education Coordinator
jwise@posgcd.org or (512) 760-6586