Financial and water conditions, and authorizing several small projects were the business of Friday’s Fern Valley Water District board meeting.
The final fiscal year 2015-16 results were discussed with total revenue of about $1.1 million exceeding initial projects by about $65,000. Expenditures were $1.3 million, nearly $200,000 less than budget. Net income was a negative $250,000, which lowered reserves to $1.2 million entering the new fiscal year 2016-17.
General Manager Victor Jimenez reported that stream flow was declining. But well production was only 20 percent of total water supply in July compared to slightly more than 40 percent last year.
“Static well levels recording show very minor increases and decreases in all well levels,” Jimenez wrote in his report. “We haven’t seen any dropping lately,” he added. The office observation groundwater well level fell only 1 inch since July, he said.
The leak detection program is continuing. “We found only one and it was estimated to be 0.5 gallons per minute and has been repaired,” he told the board.
The board continued its discussion of expanding the office building. At this time, it was decided to move forward with developing plans and estimates, but seeking the permit and authorizing funding may be postponed until next fiscal year.
The board did authorize improving the air conditioning and modifying the new vehicles to improve their service to staff.
As the meeting ended, board members complimented Jimenez on his reports and thoroughness of his memoranda and recommendations to the board.