Paso Robles City Council
March 4, 2025

Groundwater Basin
Joint Powers Agreement
March 4, 2025
22 SGMA Background
 2014 - Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) required local management of groundwater resources
 Local agencies formed GSAs:
○ Paso Robles
○ San Miguel CSD
○ County of San Luis Obispo
○ Shandon-San Juan Water District
○ Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District
 2017 - GSAs entered into MOA
○ Established Paso Basin Cooperative Committee (PBCC)
○ Prepare Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
San Miguel Paso Robles
Estrella El
Pomar
Creston (EPC)
Shandon San
Juan (SSJ)
SLO County
33 SGMA Background
 Jan. 2020 submitted initial Groundwater Sustainability Plan to DWR  June 2021 DWR highlighted several deficiencies
 Jul. 2022 Submitted Revised GSP to DWR
 June 2023 GSP was Approved by DWR
 2022 to Present implementing various grant funded studies and projects
• Expanded monitoring network
• Fee/ rate Study
• MILR Program
• Blended Water Study
• State Water Study
• Recycled water studies and
projects
• Addressing data gaps
44 Next step
Transition to long-term governance structure
"The GSAs will operate under the existing MOA until DWR approves the GSP.

During DWR’s review process, the GSAs will consider developing a refined governance structure to implement the GSP. This governance structure would be formalized in a new agreement between the GSAs, outlining the details and responsibilities for GSP administration among the participating entities. It may also include provisions to establish a new governing body to oversee GSP implementation.”
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Draft Joint Powers Agreement
 Create a Joint Power Agency to serve as the groundwater authority for the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Subbasin.
 A Joint Powers Agency would allow continued collaboration and have limited delegated authority required for GSP implementation.  Continued cooperation and collaboration between GSAs will be most efficient and cost-effective approach to implementing the Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
5 66
Next Steps - Governance Structure
Establish long-term governance structure
(currently governed by MOA (short-term solution)
Progress Developing Joint Powers Agreement
 JPA was drafted
 3 GSAs have approved
(SLO County, Shandon San Juan, Estrella El Pomar Creston)  San Miguel approval pending
 March 2025 to finalize JPA and form new entity to implement GSP 6 77
Key Provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement
Limitations on Authority (Sections 3.1, 4.4, 4.7)
 JPA does not modify, limit, or interfere with individual Members’ municipal water use, authorities, or rights.
 No commitment to contribute water supply assets
 Does not restrict individual GSAs’ implementation of demand reduction within their respective boundaries
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Key Provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement
 Prepare/submit required DWR Reports,
serve as GSP manager.
 Perform outreach as defined in the GSP.
 Address data gaps (e.g. expanded
monitoring network).
 Groundwater demand reduction
program
 Adopt an annual budget and a fee to
fund GSP implementation.
 Establish rules, regulations, policies,
bylaws, as necessary (e.g. procurement
and purchasing).
 Retain staff / consultants, as necessary.
8 Initial Powers Delegated to Authority
(Section 4.5)
99 Key Provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement
Other Key Provisions
 Entity: Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority, a separate / distinct legal entity with boundaries over the entire groundwater basin. The members retain their GSA status, and the Authority only has the powers delegated to it. (Section 4.2)  Purpose of Authority: jointly carry out and fund regulatory and administrative functions under SGMA as well as development and implementation of delegated management actions. (Section 4.4)
 Additional Powers: activities not in plan require super-majority vote and approval by impacted GSA(s) (Section 4.7)
9 10
Key Provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement
Other Key Provisions
 Voting (Section 6.8)
○ Majority vote on most matters, one vote per GSA
○ Exceptions requiring 4/5ths vote of Board:
10 • Budget amendments
• Mandatory pumping limitations
• Additional member contributions
• Adoption of any fees
• Appointment of Executive
Director
• Appointment of legal counsel
• Procurement of loans
• Acquisition of any real property
11 Key Provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement
Other Key Provisions
 Funding: JPA costs to be covered by groundwater extraction fee on all groundwater users in the Basin (Sections 7.1; 6.8)
 Withdrawal: GSAs may voluntarily withdraw from JPA (Section 8.1) 11 12
Decision to not Participate in the JPA?
• Still required to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
• Would be giving up ability to influence direction of the Joint Powers Agency – No Vote
• Risk loss of local control
• Continued cooperation avoids significant redundancy and improves efficiency and lowers the overall compliance costs.
12 13
Recommendation
Recommended Action
 Authorize execution of both versions of Joint Powers Agreement for Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
(Two versions for 4-party and 5-party participation)
13 14
Questions?
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