Ukiah Valley GSA board approves amended governing documents to reflect membership and financial changes

The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency board voted to move forward with a package of governance changes that update the joint powers agreement, bylaws and the technical-advisory-committee memorandum of understanding.

General Manager Maya Simerson presented the proposed amendments, saying the package is intended "to make the documents current and consistent with the actions that the board is currently doing" and called out two substantive changes: the withdrawal of the Upper Russian River Water Agency and the addition of the Ukiah Valley Water Agency, and a requested transition of financial functions — including treasurer and controller responsibilities — from the county to the city. Simerson also said the TAC MOU will be replaced to better mirror board seats and reduce TAC seats as recommended by the TAC.

Board members voiced support for the changes. "I saw those included in there," Director Amber Bailey said, adding the revisions matched topics discussed at prior meetings. The board had no substantive objections and moved to approve the staff-recommended action. Director Amber Gasco moved the action and Director Bailey seconded; a roll-call vote recorded ayes from the members present and the motion passed.

Staff told the board the next steps are to finalize the JPA amendments with all member agencies in the weeks before the next board meeting, with a plan to return with final documents in November. Legal counsel participated in drafting the revisions, and staff indicated they would be available to answer questions as the amendments are circulated.