Proposition 218 Election

Alta Irrigation District (Alta ID) is conducting two Proposition 218 processes to fund activities to increase water supply capture, make us drought resilient, and protect local water rights. Increases in land-based assessments and volumetric water charges are being considered under the Proposition 218 processes. Additional revenues are needed to improve operations, to keep our District functioning and carry the District into the future. Proposition 218 requires specific procedures for each process, and it also allows landowners the opportunity to provide input.

ALTA ID LANDOWNERS WILL RECEIVE TWO PUBLIC NOTICES. A PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE LAND-BASED ASSESSMENT WILL INCLUDE BALLOTS TO VOTE IN SUPPORT FOR, OR OPPOSITION TO, THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENT WHILE A PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE VOLUMETRIC WATER CHARGE (TOLL CHARGE) WILL NOT INCLUDE BALLOTS.

Proposition 218 Special Benefit Assessment Election: Surface Water Supply & Groundwater Replenishment

Alta ID is proposing increases to Surface Water Supply and Groundwater Replenishment assessments for lands categorized as agricultural/farm land properties. For nearly 15 years, current assessment rates remained unchanged to the detriment of system maintenance and improvements. Since implementing these assessment rates in Fiscal Year 1994, Alta ID only increased rates four times and these changes occurred between Fiscal Years 2006-09. On May 20^th, Alta ID Board of Directors took the first step to bridge a gap between revenue and expenses by adopting an Engineer’s Report that proposed a maximum increase to the assessment rate. Projected increased costs and expenses are associated with such items as Kings River water rights defense, operational budgetary shortfalls, emergency reserves for facilities, infrastructure deferred maintenance, weed management, and capital improvement costs for groundwater recharge facilities.

Proposition 218 Majority Protest: Volumetric Water Charge (“Toll Charge”)

Alta ID is also proposing to increase the volumetric water charge (toll charge) for water delivered to landowner turnouts. Current water charge is $4.75 per acre-foot – rate has remained constant for nearly 10 years. A cost-of-service study on this charge revealed existing revenue is insufficient to support expenses and not adequate to provide necessary water service amidst current challenges. Alta ID is conducting a Proposition 218 majority protest process for an increase to the volumetric water charge.

You can learn more information on the proposed assessment and volumetric fees increases at an upcoming public workshop:

Prop 218 Election Workshop 1

Wednesday, June 15, 2022
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Kings River Union Joint Elementary School - Multi-Purpose Center
3961 Ave. 400
Kingsburg, CA 93631

Kings River Union Joint Elementary School Site Map

Prop 218 Election Workshop 2

Wednesday, July 13, 2022
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Dinuba Senior Center, Social Hall
437 Eaton Ave.
Dinuba, CA 93618

Choose the date that works for you.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR A WORKSHOP

Alta ID will hold public hearings on proposed maximum increases to special benefit assessments and volumetric water charge (toll charge) on July 25, 2022, at the Alta Irrigation District office, 289 North L Street, Dinuba, CA 93618. A special benefit assessments public hearing will open at 9:30 a.m. and following the close of this hearing, the District Board of Directors will open a hearing for protests to an increase of the volumetric water charge. If you would like to provide comment on these matters, you are invited to do so at the July 25^th public hearings.

Alta ID staff are available for questions on the Proposition 218 election and the proposed assessments and charges. We would appreciate hearing from you and encourage you to read the information below or call us at (559) 591-0800.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Read Frequently Asked Questions

Educational Handouts:

Read Educational Handout

Read Additional Information

Special Benefit Assessment: Surface Water Supply & Groundwater Replenishment

Read Special Benefit Assessment Notice

Noticia De Audiencia Publica Sobre La Aprobacion De Un Aumento De Tarifa De Beneficio Especial